Bank of Ireland Munster U16 and U18 Clubs Competition

The Bank of Ireland Munster U16 and U18 Clubs Competitions began last September and is currently at the qualifying stage with quarter finals scheduled for February.

The new and exciting competitions came into place following lengthy discussions with the regional committees and set out to build in the success of the Pan Munster Competition at U16 and U18 level that had run in the province for some years.

The key aims of the competition were to provide up to 16 matches for each underage team taking part in line with the IRFU Player Development Pathway. It also focused on creating a challenging environment for players and their coaches to develop and to provide a playing environment that can attract players and maintain their involvement and contact with their clubs.

The season was divided into 2 main sections – a seeding structure in the first half of the season and a full competitive section in the New Year leading into finals that are scheduled for March 2016.
A total of 42 clubs and club amalgamations signed up for both Bank of Ireland U16 and U18 Munster Clubs competitions and they come from all corners and regions of the province.

To date there have been a total of 231 games played at U16 level and 220 at U18 level. This equates to approximately 9 games per player at this stage of the season which represents a significant improvement in the number of games played from previous seasons.

Speaking of the new competition Chairman of the Munster Youth Committee Tom McCoy commented, “the new Bank of Ireland U16 and U18 Munster Clubs competition has exceeded our expectations. The quality of game has improved during the season to date and the feedback we are receiving from clubs, players, coaches and importantly parents has been very positive.

The support received from the 4 regional committees has in no small manner helped to ensure the successful and smooth running of the new Bank of Ireland U16 and U18 Munster Clubs competitions.

Commenting on the new competition format Chairman of Domestic Rugby Ger Malone said “All new initiatives and competition models that give our club underage and schools’ players more opportunities to compete is always welcome.

“The new template ensures more games and I would like to congratulate the youths committee on all the hard work they are doing in giving young players an opportunity to develop themselves.

On behalf of the Munster Rugby Committee I wish to thank all the volunteers in underage rugby for the hard work they putting in throughout the province.”

Weekend Cup Fixtures

Saturday 23rd, January

Bank of Ireland Munster Club Under 18 Cup Group 2
Charleville v Garryowen, Charleville, 12.30pm

Bank of Ireland Munster Club Under 16 Cup Group 1:
Ballincollig v Killorglin, Tanner Park, 12.30pm;

Sunday 24th January

Bank of Ireland Munster Club Under 18 Cup Group 1:
Cashel v Presentation-Richmond, Cashel, 11.30am;
Midleton v Skibbereen, Towns Park, 1pm;

Group 2: Dungarvan v Shannon, Dungarvan, 1pm;

Group 3: Highfield v Waterpark, Woodleigh Park, 1pm;
Mallow v Bruff, Mallow, 12pm;

Bank of Ireland Munster Club Under 16 Cup Group 3: Midleton v Garryowen/Presentation/UL Bohes/Newport Towns Park, 12pm;