Ulster To Hold Open Training Sessions In Coleraine And Letterkenny
The Ulster squad will hold open training sessions at Coleraine RFCHC and Letterkenny RFC later this month as part of the province’s long-term community engagement strategy.
The trip follows successful visits to Monaghan RFC, Donegal Town RFC, Strabane RFC, City of Derry RFC, Clogher Valley RFC, Virginia RFC and Inishowen RFC in recent years.
Following the training sessions, there will be an opportunity for fans to meet the Ulster players and get autographs and photos.
Coleraine RFCHC Visit – Tuesday, July 24
2pm: Open Training Session
3.30pm: Signing Session
5pm: BBQ
Letterkenny RFC Visit – Thursday, July 26
2pm: Open Training Session
3.15pm: Signing Session
Ulster’s operations director Bryn Cunningham commented: “In previous years we have held a pre-season camp in Portugal and had an open training session at one of our local clubs. This year we have decided to combine the two and we will have a week-long camp in the north west, which will be a bit of a roadshow and will include two open training sessions.
“The players spend a great deal of time out in the community but we don’t get many opportunities to get out to see the Ulster public as an entire group.
“Clubs like Coleraine and Letterkenny do a lot to promote rugby in their local areas and it’s important for us to get out and support that. Our staff have been liaising closely with both clubs and I know that they are very excited about the visits. Hopefully we’ll get good turnouts at both venues!”
Looking forward to the visit of the Ulster squad to Donegal, Letterkenny RFC Chairman Shaun McGuinness said: “The last time that we hosted an Ulster squad training session, it generated a huge amount of interest and excitement. It inspired a lot of young kids to join our mini and youth sections, which now have close to 200 members.
“This sort of engagement can only strengthen the feeling of inclusivity and pride felt in Donegal for their provincial team. This visit to Dave Gallaher Park is eagerly anticipated by the whole community.”
Milne Rowntree, President of Coleraine Rugby Football, Cricket and Hockey Club, stated: “We are delighted that the Ulster squad are using our club at Coleraine as a training base as they prepare for the season ahead.
“It is a great opportunity for all our club members to get up close and see the players in action as they train on the grounds at Rugby Avenue. Hopefully many of the members, especially the younger members, will take the chance to meet and chat with the Ulster squad.
“At Coleraine we are very much a community sports club, and we invite rugby fans across the local area to come along and join us, enjoy this great sporting occasion and also see the sporting opportunities the club has to offer.”