Final call for local clubs to register to win £5,000

The countdown is on for rugby clubs across Northern Ireland to win a £5,000 support package to upgrade their facilities with Ulster Bank RugbyForce. Friday April 12th is the final deadline to register for this initiative which also encourages local communities to come and give some hands-on support to spruce up their local clubhouse and grounds.

To register clubs log on to www.ulsterbank.com/rugby. Winners will be announced on Monday 29 April.

Local clubs already registered include Ballymoney and Randalstown RFC.

New for this year the winning club will also receive a special training session from an IRFU coach and two Irish Rugby stars.

Two local clubs have already benefited as Donaghadee RFC was the Ulster provincial winners in 2012 and Ballymoney RFC was 2011 winner.

Also new this year, shortlisted clubs who are not selected as one of the four provincial winners will take part in a public vote for the opportunity to also win a £5,000/€5,000 prize. This will take place between April 22 and April 26 when club members and their local community supporters can vote for the club of their choice.

Stephen Cruise Head of Branch Banking, Private and Financial Planning NI called on club members to check they are registered: “By filling in some simple forms clubs can win a £5,000 package to improve club facilities. Ulster Bank is dedicated to supporting grass roots rugby and the local clubs with their network of players and supporters are essential to the success of the game.”

The first 50 clubs to register will receive £250/€250 towards their RugbyForce community event.