The Ballymena Barbarians will be celebrating their 5th annual match. The prestigious game normally held against the school cups winners has now attracted the interest of Ulster rugby. Ulster will be sending their under 18’s team to face the challenge the Barbarians.
The Ballymena Barbarians is an invitational side, bringing together the finest young talent from schools and clubs across ulster. They have a commitment to dynamic attacking rugby and an on and off field camaraderie true to the Barbarian spirit.
Ballymena Barbarians manager Glen Boyd and head coach Darrell O’Kane are looking forward to the challenge that lies ahead of them. This is by far the hardest challenge yet to face the Ballymena Barbarians who will be looking for another win after last years crushing victory over Methody College.
In past years this event has seen some of the current Ulster and Ireland team participate. The likes of Craig Gilroy, Paddy Jackson and Adam Macklin have all represented Methody College as school cup winners. The Ballymena Barbarians have also seen some of their past players going on to represent Ulster and Ireland. Luke Marshall who has made a big impact on the international scene. John Andrews who has just competed in the under 20’s six nations for Ireland. Andrew Warwick, Stephen Mulholland and Rodger McBurney have all went on to represented Ulster/Ulster Ravens.
This years Barbarian side will be made up with representatives from Ballymena Academy, Cambridge House, Coleraine Institute, Ballyclare High School and Ballymena RFC under 18’s. The Ulster side will be made up of the best talent from across the province. This event will see the return of Ballymena RFC ex coach John Andrews who is the current ulster under 18’s coach.
Ballymena Barbarians and Ballymena RFC would like to invite you along to this game, were some of Ulster and Ireland’s future stars will be on show in what has always been an exciting and high scoring match.
The fixture will kick off at 12.15pm and will be held on Ballymena RFC main pitch.
