Primary Schools ‘Lineout’ in the chase for prestigous mini rugby title
22 April 2009
Northgate Managed Services encourages local school talent in quest for top rugby title ahead of this year\'s Primary Schools Mini Rugby Tournament.
With Ireland's first Grand Slam success in 61 years still the talk in many a primary school playgrounds, the next generation of rugby stars have all the encouragement and confidence they need for success ahead of this year's Primary Schools Mini Rugby tournament. Supported by Newtownabbey based education ICT specialist, Northgate Managed Services, the four tournament finals (Bowl, Cup Plate and Shield) will be decided at the famous Ravenhill Rugby ground from 12-15 May.
The tournament has been a constant fixture on school rugby calendars for over 35 years and during this time it has done much to encourage children to become more active and to develop their rugby skills through the game of mini rugby.
To reach the finals over 1000 children from Primary Schools throughout Ulster will be taking part in eight pre-qualifying tournaments, resulting in 34 teams progressing to the Ravenhill finals to battle it out for the 2009 titles.
Commenting on the upcoming tournament, Simon Wallace, Commercial Manager at Ulster Rugby said: “Mini Rugby is a great way for children to play and enjoy rugby. The annual primary schools’ mini rugby tournament is a much loved and eagerly anticipated event in the primary schools’ calendar, and plays an important role in developing future sporting success within the province. With interest in Rugby at an all time high following Ireland’s recent Grand Slam victory, we hope that for some of this year’s participants, the honour of playing at Ravenhill may not be just a one-off experience, but rather, the start of a successful career in rugby. Our relationship with Northgate continues to be a very successful one, and I look forward to working with them for another year of Mini Rugby.”
Eleanor Lee, Marketing Manager, Northgate, added “By working with Classroom 2000 (C2K), Northgate are playing a pivotal role in transforming education in every school in Northern Ireland through ICT. We understand the importance of creating links between school and communities to promote lifelong learning and Mini rugby is a great way to provide high-quality physical education whilst promoting physical activity as part of a lifelong healthy lifestyle. Northgate firmly believes in investing in tomorrow’s sporting stars, and I have no doubt that we will see a few talented kids that one day may represent Ulster and Ireland. We are delighted to continue our support for the competition and wish all the participating teams the very best of luck.”
Pre-Qualifying Matches
Belfast & District Prep Schools Fri 24th April @ Campbell College Belfast, 1.30-4pm
South Antrim- Tues 28th April @Academy RFC, Mallusk, 1pm
West Down on Thurs 30th April at Lisburn RFC; 1PM
Armagh Fri 1st May @ Portadown RFC, 1.30pm
East Down Fri 1st May at Bangor RFC, 12-3pm
Derry Fri 1st May at Limavady Grammar School playing fields, 10.30am
North Antrim Wed 6th May at Ballymena RFC, 1.15pm
Fermanagh & Tyrone Fri 8th May at Omagh RFC, 1.30pm
