Ulster Bank/IRFU Summer Rugby Camps Are Launched

Today saw the launch of the Ulster Bank/IRFU Summer Rugby Camps in Dublin. Open to boys and girls aged 7-14, the Camps will be held across the country over the months of July and August.

Ulster Bank and the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) have joined forces to develop rugby in Ireland with the introduction of the Ulster Bank/IRFU Summer Rugby Camps. In total, there will be 49 camps staged – each of which will run for one week.

The aim of the Ulster Bank/IRFU Camps is to bring more young people into contact with rugby in a fun and friendly atmosphere. With the emphasis on fun and learning rather than competition, the Camps will be professionally managed by IRFU Development Officers to ensure that every child that takes part gets the chance to develop their own rugby skills.

Scrums and set pieces, tackles and throw-ins, drop kicks and dead ball lines, all this and more awaits those lucky kids who sign up to be a potential international player of the future!

The Ulster Bank/IRFU Camps have the full support of the Union’s officials and players. Speaking at the launch, Ireland international Reggie Corrigan said: “As someone who plays and loves rugby, I fully support what Ulster Bank and the IRFU are doing. To continue to grow the popularity of the game we need to get more kids involved and the best way to do that is through these Camps where there is an opportunity to learn more about the game while having fun.

“We all have to start somewhere and the Ulster Bank/IRFU Camps are, to my mind, the perfect platform for the players of the future.”

Des Fitzgerald, Managing Director, Retail Banking, Ulster Bank, added: “Following on from our involvement in the RBS Six Nations, Ulster Bank is keen to continue our involvement with the sport in a meaningful way and work with the IRFU to positively influence the development of Irish rugby.

“We believe that this initiative is an excellent means of growing awareness for rugby in Ireland essentially by providing children with an opportunity to develop their rugby skills, learn all about team work, while having fun and meeting new people.

“Therefore our hope is that at the end of the summer the children come away with a better understanding of, and love for, rugby.”

To get started, all of those who sign up to a Camp will be provided with an Ulster Bank/IRFU kit designed by Canterbury. Application forms are available from Ulster Bank branches across the country and further information will be available on www.irishrugby.ie.

To add to the excitement and fun, some of Ireland’s most popular provincial players will be making guest appearances at the Camps – further details will be announced over the course of the summer.

* Pictured above are Ireland internationals Guy Easterby, Leo Cullen and Reggie Corrigan with boys and girls from Saint Mary’s National School, Donnybrook