Pre-season training is already underway at Donaghadee Rugby Football Club and an unprecedented number of players have been turning up at the first few sessions. Donaghadee have three senior teams: the 1st XV which play in Kukri Qualifying One, the Millar McCall Wylie Ulster Junior Cup, Powerade Towns Cup have once again qualified to be one of the four clubs representing Ulster in the All-Ireland Junior Cup, the 2nd XV which play in the competitive Junior League & Foster Cup and the 3rd XV who play in the Minor League & McCambley Cup. As a Club we are continually attempting to improve the quality and quantity of what we do and are currently seeking to recruit players of all ages and abilities. The Club caters for all – so those who wish to play serious rugby within a squad involved in what is arguably the most competitive league in Ulster, semi or full-on social rugby….. new players, old players, people who have never picked up a rugby ball in their lives…. all will be made more than welcome by Joint Head Coaches Paul McKenzie & Stuart Hennessey together with new 2nd XV Coach John West! Kukri Qualifying One will be particularly interesting this season with old rivals Bangor having won Qualifying Two last season and so one of the keenest rivalries in Ulster Rugby will be renewed when the two seaside clubs lock horns once more in the league. Although the full fixture list for all teams has not yet been finalised at this stage 1st XV league games have been confirmed with the Dee opening their campaign on 31st August with a home game at Donaldson Park when they will meet Dromore.
The Club are training twice a week at the moment – Mondays and Wednesdays at 7:30pm (pre-season time) at Donaghadee Rugby Football Club, Donaldson Park, Newtownards Road, Donaghadee. In addition a number of beach fitness sessions on Saturday mornings have been arranged.
As ever the Club continues to be well known for its excellent social side with nights out, bus trips, functions etc. allied to the usual pre-match lunches and post-game craic.
In addition the Club also has burgeoning Youth, Mini and Special Needs (Seaside Sharkies) Sections – details of which can be found on the Club website or individual Facebook sites.
Feel free to come down to see what we are all about, no commitment to join. We welcome players of all abilities, ages (Senior Club 18+) and fitness! We would particularly welcome any school leavers from the Ards Peninsula and North Down area who want to experience what club rugby is all about or people from other codes who would like to give rugby a go. Training is also a great way to stay in shape or improve fitness and, of course, meet new people. Any questions you may have, please feel free to contact us via the Donaghadee RFC Facebook or Twitter accounts.
