Ulster Rugby
Ulster rugby covers the province of Irish Rugby known as Ulster. The game is predominantly Rugby Union but there are a few teams playing Rugby League.
Ulster Schools all compete for the Schools cup, trophy or shield.
Tag Rugby is also popular, but Rugby Union remains by far the most popular code played in Ulster. However when the Ulster Union season is over each year, there a series of Rugby Summer Camps around the province which sees Ulster Players and members of the squad and extended management team bringing their knowledge and expertise into the local rugby community.
Some of the oldest Rugby clubs in Ireland are in Ulster and the province has a distinguished and growing list of players who have reached the very pinnacle of the sport locally and internationally as well as the highest levels of the administration and development of the sport globally.
With circa 52 individual clubs and well over 100 schools playing Rugby Union in Ulster their is a thriving rugby playing population.
A particularly popular entry level for the game is at school level, and the schools compete in The Ulster Rugby Schools Cup final which is held on the 17th March every year at Ravenhill rugby ground.
Ulster Rugby Ravenhill is the home of Ulster rugby and includes offices for The Ulster Branch, Ulster Team, and also Ulster Domestic.
Domestic clubs regularly field up to 7 teams per week and compete in the All Ireland League as well as local leagues and cups not to mention the provincial Ulster Rugby side which competes in the Magners and Heineken Cups and from which players are selected to represent Ireland and The British and Irish Lions.
The Ulster Rugby Club is based at Ravenhill and is also the main location for buying Ulster Rugby Tickets, and watching Ulster Rugby matches. Each Ulster Rugby Ticket and every Ulster Rugby Credit Card in association with the Bank Of Ireland raises money for the continued development of the sport in Ulster, whilst Ulster Rugby merchandise such as an Ulster Rugby Top can be purchased from online websites or various stores around the province and beyond. The Ulster Rugby Shirt is colourful and very well designed and the current supplier is a sports jersey manufacturer known as Kukri. The Ulster Rugby Shop or Ulster Rugby store is online and can be found on the Ulster Rugby website, and Ulster Rugby Kit can be purchased from this on line website. Ulster Rugby clothing is fashionable, durable and tasteful and is a welcome addition to any rugby fans wardrobe. Items such as the Ulster Rugby hoodie are a regular piece of clothing for a supporter, but there is also the Shirt, Polo, Ball, beanie and many other items, all of which take their inspiration from the club Jersey, or Logo. A signed top is a much sought after item and Ulster run promotions for fans to win signed tops.
The province has consistently produced players of the Lions standard most recently Rory Best, Tommy Bowe, Tom Court, Stephen Ferris, Tyrone Howe and Jeremy Davidson. The current Squad has 4 British and Irish Lions as well as several Irish Rugby Players. Players are amongst the best in the world and mostly home grown with some outstanding international additions. Ulster Rugby tv carrys out interviews and masterclass sessions with these rugby stars and these can be watched on the official website. The Rugby Academy is considered one of the best of its kind and manages the transition from playing amateur level to playing professional level.
The Ulster Rugby magazine is available at all matches held at Ravenhill and is a popular read amongst all the fans. The sport is also covered by various on line and printed media which serve to cover the sport for its audience.
As for supporters, the game has enjoyed a loyal and growing fan base both locally and internationally which has supported the club loyally by attending games at Ravenhill and travelled with the team to many locations across Europe. The fans are renowned the world over for their hospitality and passion for the sport of rugby. There is a thriving Supporters club which has an excellent website ursc.co
