Danske-Bank-Ulster-Schools-Cup-Final-2024

FINAL
RBAI v
BALLYMENA ACADEMY
MON 18 MAR 2024, 3PM | KINGSPAN STADIUM

A Message
from the
Schools’
Committee
On behalf of the Schools’ Committee, it is
a great pleasure to welcome everyone to
Kingspan Stadium this afternoon for the
2023/24 Danske Bank Schools’ Cup final
between RBAI and Ballymena Academy.
The current holders, RBAI, are seeking their
35th win in the competition to narrow the
gap on Methodist College who lead the way
with 37 wins. Ballymena Academy are looking
for their fourth win of the competition, having
last featured in the final 14 years ago when
they beat Belfast Royal Academy 10-7.
Whilst many of the RBAI players have the
experience of playing in last year’s final and
also the Medallion Shield Final last year, many
of the Ballymena Academy players also have
experience of playing in front of enthusiastic
supporters at Kingspan Stadium, having
appeared in the last two Medallion Shield finals
and also in winning the first ever U16 Cup Final
in November 2021.
Both of today’s teams have had strong
performances this season and I’m sure today’s
match will be a hard-fought encounter, in the
first final to be played on the new artificial
surface at Kingspan Stadium.
This season represents the 19th successive
year of Danske Bank’s sponsorship, and we
are delighted that their Chief Executive, Vicky
Davies, and other Danske Bank representatives
are with us today. The Schools’ Committee
and our schools are indebted to the financial
support that Danske Bank provide for the
schools’ game.
I wish to thank the Schools’ Committee
members for their work over the past season.
The committee has been expanded this year
to include a representative of Girls’ Rugby
in Dee Colville and a representative of the
Ulster Society of Rugby Football Referees in
Jonathan Peak.
I want to acknowledge the superb work done
by the various competition organisers, Brian
Leslie (Banbridge Academy, 2nd XV Cup),
Ross Hunter (Omagh Academy, 3rd XV Cup)
and Gareth Bronte (Dromore HS, Medallion).
Thanks also to our secretary, Raymond
Pattison, for his work behind the scenes.
Everyone involved in schools’ rugby will
be aware of the work that our PRO, Barney
McGonigle, does in providing media coverage
of all school 1st XV and all competition matches.
He also organises all of the schools’ finals not
played at the Kingspan Stadium or QUB. We
are indebted to him for all his work.
Our various finals are supported by members
of the Ulster Branch Committee, who help
with the various presentations.
I would like to thank all the Principals, Boards of
Governors and staff in our schools for their support.
Thanks also to the staff at the Ulster Branch, led
by Chris Webster, who help with the smooth
running of the school game.
The USRFR work hard to provide referees and
their input is fundamental to the playing of the
game and we express our gratitude to them.
Finally, thanks to the Ulster Academy’s Gavin
Hogg along with his team, who support
the development of school players on the
various pathways.
I hope that today’s final provides an exciting
climax to the season but whatever the
outcome, that all involved enjoy the day and
lasting memories have been formed.
The camaraderie and friendships you make will
last long after you have hung up your boots.
Richard J Clingan
Chairman, Ulster Schools’ Committee
IRFU Ulster Branch

Route to the Final
RBAI 16 - 6 Campbell College
Welcome
Banbridge Ac. 10 - 45 RBAI
from
RBAI 33 - 20 Wallace HS
Danske Bank
RBAI
A very warm welcome to the 2023/24 Danske
Bank Ulster Schools’ Cup final.
We’re excited to be here today at Kingspan
Stadium for what is sure to be a nail-biting final.
Today’s final is one of the major highlights of rugby
in Ulster, and undoubtedly one of the most eagerlyanticipated
sporting events in our local calendar –
with a strong, dedicated following of past, present
and future pupils from schools across Northern
Ireland, and those now further afield.
This year’s final will see Royal Belfast Academical
Institution and Ballymena Academy go headto-head
for the Schools’ Cup. Royal Belfast
Academical Institution defend their title as the
current Cup holders and Ballymena Academy
return, having last played a final in 2010.
At Danske Bank, we’ve been passionate about
helping local people and communities thrive
since our beginnings in 1824. One way we do
that is through sponsoring youth sports all across
Northern Ireland. Alongside Ulster Schools’ Rugby
we’re very proud sponsors of Ulster Schools GAA
and NI Schools Football Association.
This year at Danske Bank, we’re marking our 200th
year of business in Northern Ireland. As a Bank
with a long-standing history here, we’re proud
and privileged to put our name to this historic
competition – this year is the nineteenth year of
our partnership with the Ulster Schools’ Cup.
Through each year of our partnership, we’ve seen
the Schools’ Cup and other fantastic competitions
evolving and welcoming more schools and
opportunities to play, and the quality of rugby
we see just grows year on year. Over the years,
we’ve seen how the Schools’ Cup nurtures and
showcases these exceptional young players –
helping to open the door to a professional career,
and even an international one.
For the players from Royal Belfast Academical
Institution and Ballymena Academy, this is the most
important match of their school rugby careers. Our
finalists have demonstrated strong commitment,
incredible skill, hard work and tenacity to get them
to this point.
And it’s clear that taking part in these competitions
is so much more than the games – brilliant
friendships, deep dedication and strong talent
are the lasting memories these young players will
have of their school rugby experience.
Both teams have produced nail-biting displays
throughout the tournament so far, and I’d like to
take this opportunity to congratulate each one of
them, alongside their families, teachers and the
supporters who keep them going each game.
I’d also like to acknowledge the dedicated
work of the Ulster Branch, who alongside the
Ulster Schools’ Cup Committee, make this
tournament possible.
On behalf of us all here at Danske Bank, I wish you
the very best of luck on this memorable day.
Vicky Davies
Chief Executive
Danske Bank UK
Ballymena Academy
Ballymena Ac. 25 - 14 Sullivan Upper
Regent House 5 - 17 Ballymena Ac.
BRA 15 - 17 Ballymena Ac.

Fraser Cunningham (Captain)
What have you enjoyed most about the
Danske Bank Schools’ Cup Competition?
I have most enjoyed the excitement and
buzz around the school in preparation.
As a team we are put on a pedestal and
looked up to by the juniors, it gives us a
bigger responsibility as a unit and has
played a big part in how much we’ve
enjoyed the actual rugby.
Do you think the competition has
helped you bond as a team?
I think the team was already well gelled
after a tour in the new year, although
the pressure and expectation put on
us by each other for places in the cup
team and squad has allowed us to bond
more, as well as team activities around
cup-time etc.
What has been a standout moment in
the competition so far?
I think it’d be hard to look past the
team’s first half performance in the
semi final. Standout for me were the
first and second tries, they showed
what we had worked on as a team inseason,
finished by some brilliance
from Alex and Josh.
What are you looking forward to on
match day?
The first chant from the crowd sets the
tone for the game and helps to settle the
nerves of some of our younger players.
How does it feel to lead your team out
to a final at Kingspan Stadium?
An indescribable feeling. With a
school steeped in such rich history, to
be at the forefront of rugby this year
has been an honour. To be picked from
the hundred-odd boys who play senior
rugby is a blessing.
What are your team’s biggest strengths
heading into the final?
I think our ability to front up physically
when challenged has been proven as
we move through the season, with a
lot of emphasis on the tackle and how
we approach. I also think our ability to
show a threat in attack from anywhere
in the team is an exciting prospect.
What advice would you give your
younger self about playing in the
Danske Bank Schools’ Cup?
To enjoy it and not let the nerves
overwhelm myself. Pre-game and
during breaks, chat with the team and
get clarity on anything we are unsure
about. If everyone is aligned, everyone’s
job is easier.
How important is the support from the
school community to your team?
The support plays a massive role for
the school’s culture. There is a huge
emphasis put on the chants, flags and
matchday organisation by the heads
of support and I think the entire team
would thank Luke and others for the
work they put in. In terms of the overall
community, with such close ties to
Instonians alumni there is a network
of people who show support from
everywhere. Their support and the
history they provide to the school is a
big part to our performances.
What makes the Schools’ Cup special
compared to other competitions?
There is obviously a deep history within
the competition, not only at Inst’ but in
general and I think that provides more
prestige to the final.
If you could pick one current or
former professional to be your
teammate for the final, who would it
be and why?
James Hume. His three years experience
as a Dankse Bank Schools’ Cup winner
would definitely steady the ship in terms
of the nerves going into match-day.

RBAI
15 Joshua Gibson Sean McKay 15
14 Alex Place Ben Neely 14
13 Fraser Cunningham (Capt.) Daniel Vercoe-Rogers 13
12 Charlie O’Connor Alexander Carson 12
11 James Kerr Michael McLean (Capt.) 11
10 Charlie Gray Robbie Coleman 10
9 Callum Soper James McIlroy 9
1 Zak Molyneaux Matthew Wright 1
2 Euan Paterson Callum Mustoe 2
3 Blake McClean Deon Fleming 3
4 Loughlin Sweeney Conan Scullion 4
5 Milo Carter Joshua Gallagher 5
6 Lorcan Donnelly Harry Lamont 6
7 James Clark Reece Williamson (VC) 7
8 Adam Boyd Charlie Hargy 8
Referee:
Chris Busby
REPLACEMENTS
16 Ross Dillon Ben Millar 16
17 Reagan Lath Amou Joshua Harvey 17
18 Rory O’Connor Henry Casson 18
19 Scott McElhinney Daniel Hayburn 19
20 Patrick McEvoy Matthew Cahoon 20
21 Luke Gibson Reuben Allen 21
22 Ben McCausland Mark Glenn 22
23 Connor Patton Callum Irvine 23
Assistant Referees:
Keane Davison
Peter Doherty
BALLYMENA
ACADEMY

Michael McLean (Captain)
What have you enjoyed most about
the Schools’ Cup Competition?
I have really enjoyed being coached
by three professional rugby players
- Alan O’Connor, Andrew Warwick
and Luke Marshall - and expanding
my game through their coaching and
expert advice.
Do you think the competition has
helped you bond as a team?
I think the competition has helped us
bond as a team as we spend a lot of
time together in school and at training.
Most of our squad are Upper Sixth
and have been playing together for
a long time but the competition has
even further increased the bonds and
relationships within the group.
What are your team’s biggest strengths
heading into the final?
Our team's biggest strength heading
into the final is the number of great
players we have starting the game as
well as coming off the bench to finish
the game off.
What advice would you give your
younger self about playing in the
Danske Bank Schools’ Cup?
Never give up.
How important is the support from
the school community to your team?
Support is very important to us, and
we hope our supporters can get
behind us in the final.
What has been a standout moment in
the competition so far?
A standout moment for me is Daniel’s
try in the semi-final.
What are you looking forward to on
match day?
I’m looking forward to the
atmosphere at Kingspan Stadium.
How does it feel to lead your team out
to a final at Kingspan Stadium?
I feel proud to captain the team in the
final as a lot of hard work has gone into
getting this far.
What makes the Schools’ Cup special
compared to other competitions?
For me it’s the biggest schools’
competition in the country, playing
for your school with and in front of
all your friends makes it even more
special.
If you could pick one current or
former professional to be your
teammate for the final, who would it
be and why?
Brian O’Driscoll. I think him and DVR
(Daniel Vercoe-Rogers) would be a
great centre pairing.

Referees’
Corner
We welcome Chris Busby (USRFR) and his team of officials to
Kingspan Stadium for this afternoon’s Danske Bank Schools’ Cup Final.
Chris is a familiar face to us all as he is a professional referee and is
regularly seen on our TV screens.
In today’s match programme, we look at a short profile on each of the match officials.
As always, Ulster Rugby would like to remind all players, coaches and spectators to
respect the match officials at all times. Respect is one of the most important values of
Rugby Union.
Peter Doherty
Touch Judge
Club/School
Belfast Harlequins/Lumen Christi College.
Highlight to date as a match official
Being part of the matchday officials
team for the Women’s Six Nations
between Ireland and Scotland in 2022.
I have experienced being a supporter at
the Dankse Bank Schools’ Cup Final and
have witnessed the amazing atmosphere
but I can’t wait to experience this from
the pitch!
Lee Evans
4th Official
Club/School
Lisburn RFC/Laurelhill Community College.
Highlight to date as a match official
Refereeing the Medallion Shield final at
Kingspan Stadium back in 2017.
This will be my first Danske Bank Schools’
Cup Final, the occasion and atmosphere
is something that cannot be matched.
As you can see, there are many roles
within the USRFR. It is not just about
being the main referee.
If you are interested in finding out
more about becoming a match official,
please contact
Chris Busby
Referee
Club/School
Ballyclare RFC/Ballyclare High School.
Highlight to date as a match official
Assistant Ref’ at Rugby World Cup 2023.
It’s a real honour to be selected to
referee such an iconic game.
Keane Davison
Touch Judge
Club/School
Omagh RFC/Omagh Academy.
Highlight to date as a match official
Refereeing my first Tier 2 international
- Poland v Romania last month. A great
game of rugby, excellent hospitality and
overall a good trip!
John Coyle
Timekeeper
Club/School
Donaghadee RFC/Bangor Grammar.
Richard Kerr
Referee Development Manager
richard.kerr@irfu.ie
07493 868 388
I’m really looking forward to playing
a small part in what I’m sure will be a
memorable occasion for both sets of
players and supporters.
Today essentially involves supporting
the referee (Chris) in different ways
throughout the game. The Danske Bank
Schools’ Cup is a great occasion for
all involved.
Highlight to date as a match official
Being part of the ‘Team of 3’ in the 2014
Danske Bank Schools’ Cup Final.
I’m looking forward to the atmosphere
– there’s nothing quite like the ‘buzz’
of a Danske Bank Schools’ Cup match,
especially the Final.
U.S.R.F.R

RBAI
BALLYMENA
ACADEMY
GENERAL
PUBLIC
Turnstiles will be open from 1.30pm.
Turnstiles at both Mount Merrion and Onslow Parade will be open.
Food trucks and light refreshments will be available.
The Kukri Store will be open.
Public Bars will be not be in operation for any schools fixtures.
Parking is not available within or around the stadium.
Public parking is available at Belfast Metropolitan Castlereagh
Campus on Montgomery Road at £5 per vehicle.

Thank You!
Ulster Rugby wish to thank all of our sponsors
and partners for their continued support.
Main Sponsor
Kit Sponsor
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Domestic Sponsors
Official Partners

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