The changes in personnel will naturally bring some fresh thinking to the operation of the Club!
Ballymena Rugby Football Club Officials:
Club President Dr Syd Millar
Chairman David Allen
Vice Chairman Neil Patton
Hon Sec Peter Crabbe
Asst Hon Sec Tim Roddy
Hon Treasurer Guy Simpson
Asst Hon Treasurer Bill Ireland
Directors: David Smyth – AIL Rugby
Michael Kerr – Community Rugby
Rodney Cole – Business & Marketing
Richard Montgomery – Functions/Events
Les McCracken – Communications/PRO
Tom Loughridge – Ground & Property
Ian McIlrath continues to represent the Club on both Ulster Branch and IRFU Committees.
The 1st XV have been undergoing a fitness training program prior to the holiday break and have now resumed normal pre-season. While it is disappointing to have been relegated to AIL Division 2, this brings a renewed focus to the squad with the objective for the season ahead to win promotion.
With the structure of the AIL Ireland League changing for season 2011-12 to AIL 1A, 1B and 2A, 2B, this gives the opportunity for four teams to be promoted from the current Division 2.
Main player movement with the Senior Squad are as follows:
New signings: Johnny Shiels (Queens & Ulster Academy), Martin Irwin (Ballymoney), John Semple (Limavady), Adam Neil (Cooke), Rory Henderson (Ballyclare), Connor Smith (Coleraine), Blane McIlroy (MCB), Adrian Hamilton (Cambridge House), David Whan (Ballymena Academy), Chris Galloway (Ballymena Academy), Maurice McDowell (Cambridge House) and Sean Flanagan ( Natal) .
Returning from University – Ross Connor, Chris Smith, Alastair Frazer, David Perry.
John Andrews continues as Head Coach assisted by Andy Graham, both former players at the Club.
The Ulster League is due to get under way on Saturday 28th August 2010 at Eaton Park against Rainey.
The AIL kicks off on Saturday 2nd October with an away trip to Midleton.
The Second XV will hopefully this year have a more stimulating season with some changes introduced to their schedule. They will play all other Senior Cup 2nd XV’s, which will be (where possible) on the same day and venues as 1st XV games. Then as one of the top two 2nd XV’s, will play in a Conference League with Qualifying one teams.
They will compete as usual in the Junior and Towns Cups.
The Club will continue to field 3rds, 4ths and 5ths and would welcome any prospective players who would like to play Rugby either with a view to progression or simply for the enjoyment of the game.
Tom Wiggins continues to head up Youth Rugby for U13, 15, 17 & 19’s age groups. If you attend a school which does not provide an opportunity to play rugby, you would be very welcome to come along to Ballymena Rugby Club where Tom will ensure you are given that chance to play within your relevant age group.
Scott Muir heads up our Mini Rugby section, which is highly popular to the extent were we are always oversubscribed. With this being the case, you are advised to register early.
This section also includes a “Rascal” section for P1 & P2 children.
BRFC also now provide an opportunity for Ladies to play rugby and training takes place on Monday evenings under the watchful eye of Richard Montgomery and Stephen Kerr.
Ballymena RFC will be running a number of social events throughout the season as well as the highly successful and popular pre-match lunches before home AIL games.
One major event to note is the running of the “Big Rugby Ball” on Friday 18th February 2011 in Tullyglass. This top quality evening is planned to match the previous Ball which took place on 19th February 2009, and was without doubt one of the best events in the social calendar that year.
Visit www.ballymenarfc.com for Club information throughout the season.
