Ulster Bank League Awards Return For 2013/14 Season

With a helping hand from Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt and international winger Fergus McFadden – Ulster Bank rugby ambassador Alan Quinlan and former Lansdowne player, inaugural Ulster Bank League award winner and current Connacht out-half Craig Ronaldson gathered at Lansdowne Rugby Club to launch the new-look awards.

Throughout the 2013/2014 season, a panel of judges, led by Alan Quinlan, will select a shortlist for all relevant award categories, with the winners being announced at a national awards ceremony in April 2014.

This year’s categories are:

1. Ulster Bank Player of the Year – Division 1A
2. Ulster Bank Top Try Scorer – Division 1A
3. Ulster Bank Top Points Scorer – Division 1A
4. Ulster Bank Rising Star – Division 1A (shortlist compiled from players chosen monthly)
5. Ulster Bank Coach of the Year – Division 1A
6. Ulster Bank Player of the Year – Division 1B
7. Ulster Bank Player of the Year – Division 2A
8. Ulster Bank Player of the Year – Division 2B
9. Ulster Bank Team of the Year – across all divisions
10. Ulster Bank Club Volunteer of the Year – across all divisions
11. Ulster Bank RugbyForce Winners – winning clubs announced at awards ceremony

Speaking at today’s launch, former Shannon star Quinlan said: “The Ulster Bank League Awards are about shining a spotlight on the great talent that stems from rugby clubs in every corner of the country.

“They are also about rewarding the commitment shown by teams, coaches and volunteers on a weekly basis. It is so important to highlight that you don’t need to travel to a provincial fixture to see a great game of rugby.

“Week in and week out, there are exceptional players taking part in nail-biting clashes all over the country. The role of rugby clubs for the development of players is essential.

“Connacht’s signing of Craig Ronaldson, from Lansdowne FC is proof of that. I am delighted to be associated with awards that enhance the development of Irish rugby.”

This season also marks the fourth year of Ulster Bank RugbyForce – an initiative which provides rugby clubs with the opportunity to win support packages to renovate their club and upgrade their facilities.

To date, the initiative has provided over €;100,000 in funding to over 160 rugby clubs, across the island of Ireland.

This year one lucky club will be chosen to receive a €;10,000 funding package and a training session with an IRFU coach and two Irish rugby stars.

Four additional clubs (one from each province) will also receive a €;5,000 funding package each. All entries to the initiative will receive merchandise for their club to the value of €;100.

For further information on the Ulster Bank League Awards and to enter Ulster Bank RugbyForce, visit www.ulsterbank.com/rugby. Registrations for Ulster Bank RugbyForce will close at midnight on Friday, April 11, 2014. Terms and conditions apply.

Related Link –

Ulster Bank Honours League Players At Inaugural Awards