Leading European rugby sponsor, RaboDirect, signs up with Belfast Royal Academy for Big Scrum
Ireland’s greatest ever rugby player, Jack Kyle OBE, will help Belfast Royal Academy organise over 750 schoolchildren from Belfast to become Guinness World Record breakers on March 30th.
The IRB Hall of Fame inductee and Academy alumnus was today joined at the school by His Excellency, Ambassador Jeremiah Ndou, at the launch of The RaboDirect Big Scrum. The World Record attempt is being supported by RaboDirect, the straight talking online bank and proud sponsors of the RaboDirect PRO12.
The RaboDirect Big Scrum will see boys and girls from different communities across Belfast pack down at Ravenhill before Ulster’s home match with Aironi in the RaboDirect PRO12. They will aim to power past the current milestone of 750, which was set by Milton Keynes Scouts at Wembley Stadium in December last year. The money raised will help to raise funds for the school’s ‘tour of a lifetime’ to South Africa this summer, as well as supporting charities Tygerburg Children’s Hospital, Newforge Taggers and the IRFU Charitable Trust.
Chris McCarey, Head of Rugby at Belfast Royal Academy, and responsible for the fundraising idea said:
“On behalf of the school, I’d like to thank RaboDirect for supporting this initiative. The pupils are excited about having the chance to become World Record holders, especially having the opportunity to do so at Ravenhill, with the support of Jack Kyle. I’m sure it’s going to be an excellent occasion for everyone involved.”
Kyle, who won 46 caps for Ireland as well as starring for the British Lions in New Zealand and Australia in 1950, said:
“Some of my favourite experiences playing rugby have been whilst touring the southern hemisphere. It’s a great opportunity to bond with your teammates, experience new and exciting cultures and ultimately have fun. These opportunities create lifelong memories, so I wish the pupils a very good trip ’’
Maeve Moriarty, Sponsorship Programme Manager at RaboDirect, said:
“We are delighted to be able to support this opportunity and hope we can break the record. It’s great to be part of an exciting challenge that will help bring different communities together from across Belfast.”
The RaboDirect Big Scrum takes place at Ravenhill on Friday March 30th. To make a donation to Belfast Royal Academy’s tour to South Africa or the associated charities, please contact through www.belfastroyalacademy.com or the school’s Facebook and Twitter pages.
ENDS
Contact:
Please contact Sam Feasey, The RaboDirect Big Scrum Communications Manager for more information.
Tel: 0207 9325815
Mob: 07717 757114
Email: sfeasey@brand-rapport.com
About RaboDirect
RaboDirect, the online-only bank, is part of the Rabobank group, the world’s highest rated privately owned bank, according to Standard and Poor’s and one of the top 10 safest banks in the world (Global Finance Magazine, August 2011). Measured by its core capital, Rabobank is one of the World’s top twenty five largest financial institutions. Rabobank is licensed by the Dutch Central Bank and complies with the Financial Regulator’s rules of business and codes of conduct in Ireland.
About Belfast Royal Academy
Belfast Royal Academy, which was founded in 1785, is the oldest school in Belfast and currently has 1400 pupils with a further 165 attending its preparatory school, Ben Madigan. It prides itself on being cross community and on the diversity of cultures amongst its pupils and staff.
