Derby draw in Danske Bank Schools’ Cup

The second round tie will be at Lurgan College on January 9.

This season’s Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ Cup, the world’s second-oldest rugby competition, was launched at Kingspan Stadium this week by the participating captains from all the teams involved.

Last season, Lewis McNamara led Royal Belfast Academical Institution to its 30th outright Schools’ Cup success, following a 14-10 win over Wallace High School. The competition was first won by Royal School Armagh back in 1876.

The launch also saw Ivan McMinn, Head of Business Acquisition at Danske Bank and Bobby Stewart, President of IRFU (Ulster Branch), conduct the draws for rounds one and two of this season’s competition.

The draw is as follows:

Round 1 – Saturday 5th December 2015

Carrickfergus Grammar School v Strabane Academy

Round 2 – Saturday 9th January 2016

Larne Grammar School v Royal School, Armagh

Lurgan College v Portadown College

Cambridge House School v Limavady Grammar School

Wellington College, Belfast v Friends’ School, Lisburn

Royal School, Dungannon v winners of Preliminary Round

Banbridge Academy v Antrim Grammar School

Belfast High School v Foyle and Londonderry College

Speaking at the launch, Ivan McMinn commented: “We are delighted to be entering the eleventh year of our partnership with the Schools’ Cup and it is a relationship we are immensely proud of.

“Supporting youth opportunity and achievement is a central part of our role in the community and the Schools’ Cup is great competition to be involved in.

“History has shown that the Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ Cup is a truly great platform for young talent to shine – you only have to look at today’s Ulster squad for proof of this.

“I am looking forward to another exciting tournament for the teams, supporters and spectators.”