Ulster Bank RugbyForce, an initiative set up to encourage local communities to help improve their rugby club facilities, has today selected four rugby clubs (one from each province) as winners of the ultimate rugby club support package worth €5,000 each.
A total of 76 rugby clubs from across the country entered for their chance to win the support package. The four lucky winners announced today were Ballina RFC, Connacht, Wexford Wanderers RFC, Leinster, Thomond RFC, Munster, and Ballymoney RFC, Ulster.
Having recently announced a new partnership with the Irish Rugby Football Union, Ulster Bank became the Official Community Partner to the IRFU, alongside their existing sponsorship of the RBS 6 Nations. Through this new partnership, Ulster Bank became title sponsor of the All Ireland League and the Irish Club International Team – a team of non-professional club players representing Ireland, competing against similar amateur selections.
At the forefront of their partnership, Ulster Bank and the IRFU are determined to support and develop community rugby clubs in Ireland. The Ulster Bank RugbyForce initiative is designed to help unite club members and encourage local volunteers to improve their club and community rugby facilities.
Ellvena Graham, Director of Business Services Ireland, Ulster Bank said: “Ulster Bank RugbyForce has proven to be a fantastic and successful initiative. It was extremely important to us in Ulster Bank to give something back to the community as part of our new partnership with the IRFU. We are delighted to present Ballina, Wexford Wanderers, Thomond and Ballymoney Rugby Clubs with the Ulster Bank RugbyForce enhanced support packages. These clubs have been at the heart of their communities since they were established. With the aid of the Ulster Bank RugbyForce support packages, they will now have the opportunity to upgrade their facilities. I would like to wish each of the clubs every success for the future.”
Caleb Powell, IRFU President, said: “The Ulster Bank RugbyForce initiative has met with a very positive response from clubs and it will be very beneficial to clubs across Ireland. The initiative provides a fantastic opportunity to bring members, players and supporters together to improve their local club facilities.”
