The 2014/2015 Ulster Bank League was yet another nail-biting season, full of exciting and enthralling matches with the Division 1a final being played at the Aviva Stadium for the very first time, a fitting celebration of the club game in Ireland. Now it’s the time of the year when thoughts turn to new beginnings as teams across the country prepare for a new season ahead. The 2015-2016 season will also mark the 26th anniversary of the Ulster Bank League.
It’s been another great year for Irish rugby with the national side’s successful RBS 6 Nations campaign and some fantastic achievements from the provincial sides. Local clubs are the lifeblood of the game and we continue to be impressed and inspired by the dedication and passion of players, coaches, club staff and community volunteers. Week in, week out, you give your time and talent to ensure that rugby continues to thrive at a local, provincial and national level.
This is Ulster Bank’s sixth season as Official Community Rugby Partner to the IRFU, a partnership which includes title sponsorship of the All-Ireland Club League and the Irish Club International team.
Ulster Bank is extremely proud to support grassroots rugby and this season, we will be continuing with our Ulster Bank League awards as well as shortly announcing our 2015 ‘Ulster Bank RugbyForce’ winners. Five lucky clubs will be selected for a very special makeover, one club winning €10,000 and four provincial clubs winning €5,000. Since the initiative began in 2010, over €160,000 has been awarded to 165 clubs.
For further information on Ulster Bank RugbyForce and all of Ulster Bank’s rugby initiatives, follow us on our facebook page www.facebook.com/UlsterBankRugby or on Twitter @ulsterbankrugby.
Ulster Bank is dedicated to the future of Irish rugby and we are looking forward to another outstanding season in club rugby, which no doubt will lead to a fantastic final next May. As clubs around the country get ready to kick off the new season on behalf of everyone at Ulster Bank I want to say good luck to all involved.
Maeve McMahon
Director of Customer Experience and Products
Ulster Bank