Ulster School's Cup Final

Methodist College, 2014

Article by Rod Nawn

Freelance Journalist and Sports Enthusiast @RODNAWN1

the Province, and until the arrival of the professional game the Schools’ Cup Final could often claim to attract the biggest crowd of the season to the ground. Kingspan Stadium retains so much of the aura of the old ground, but it provides players and fans with the best possible facilities, the perfect arena to stage one of rugby’s oldest but also most important finals. Some who feature today – and many who may have departed the tournament much earlier – will have already been earmarked for advancement through the dramatically improved youth and schools representative structures. Ulster’s Hughes Insurance Academy is the latest and most prestigious addition to the systems which identify talent and nurture its development, while Ulster and Irish Schools’ campaigns will further test the abilities of many who have taken part in this year’s Danske Bank Schools’ Cup. But, and as important, is the retention of coaches and players in the game: they may not all progress to the very top, but the real grassroots of club rugby will always be the foundation for the sport’s longevity. Ulsters’ league and cup competitions embrace every ability and ambition, but crucially keeps people involved, spreading the ‘gospel’. Saturday mornings at every club attest to just how far down the age and gender route rugby has travelled, succeeding in being professional in its development and in its provision of facilities and competition, but always encouraging the most common contribution of all: the amateur player, official or fan who finds that 80 minutes of sporting combat offers access to a family with so much more in common. The spotlight is on two fine groups of young rugby players this afternoon, and so popular and modernising has the sport become they will have the finest possible stage to perform – and enjoy – the decisive moments in a competition which means so much to those who have remained relatively unknown as it does to the best-known figures in its history. Royal School Armagh really started something when they took on RBAI in 1876, didn’t they? So, we’ll see you here again in 2016, on St. Patrick’s Day, as usual!

Bangor Grammar, 1978

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