Foyle on their travels

With the redevelopment of Ravenhill in full swing it will be the last team the winning captain will walk up the steps into the old stand and lift the trophy.

The stand was erected in 1923 so 89 captains have lifted the prized trophy and those in the draw for the second round of the competition are dreaming of success.

The competition the second oldest rugby tournament in the world, was first played for in 1876 and won by RS Armagh. This year the competition has new title branding, although the sponsor remains the same.

Northern Bank have supported Schools’ rugby in Ulster for many years (since 2005), but since their recent name change, the competition will now be known as the Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ Cup.

Robert Garrett, Head of Corporate Banking said: “The exciting developments ahead for Ravenhill will no doubt bring an added sense of occasion to what is always a thrilling finale to this prestigious tournament.

“For Danske Bank, as well as for the schools, coaches, teams, their families and supporters, the excitement has already begun and the draw is always eagerly anticipated by players and followers alike.

“Danske Bank is delighted to play its part in supporting rugby talent to thrive and our employees always look forward to supporting local schools in their Schools’ Cup journey each year.”

The competition is seeded, with schools drawn in different tiers and entering at separate times.

The top eight ranked schools do not enter until the fourth round, although in every round the draw remains ‘open’.

In each round the losers go into separate subsidiary events ensuring that every school has at least two games and providing them with the opportunity of winning a trophy at the end of their season.

Second round draw: Foyle College v Portora Royal School; Royal School Dungannon v Wellington College; Belfast High School v Banbridge Academy; Carrickfergus Grammar School v Lurgan College; Antrim Grammar School v Friends’ School, Lisburn; Regent House School v Larne Grammar School. Ties to be played on Saturday, January 12.

The winning teams from the second round matches will progress to the third round of competition and will be joined by 10 teams: Limavady Grammar, Bangor Grammar, Belfast Royal Academy, Coleraine Academical Institution, Dalriada, Down High, Grosvenor Grammar, Omagh Academy, Portadown College and Rainey Endowed.

Third round matches will be played on Saturday 26th January.

The final eight seeded teams; Ballyclare High School, Ballymena Academy, Campbell College, Methodist College Belfast, Royal Belfast Academical Institution, Royal School Armagh, Sullivan Upper School and Wallace High School will enter the fourth round of the competition on Saturday, February 9.