Kingspan hosts Lisburn primary schools

Players enjoyed a series of matches. and also had the opportunity to meet Ulster rugby stars Robbie Diack, Darren Cave, Chris Henry and Franco van der Merwe.

The festival was organised in a pool format with teams playing at least three games.

The standard of play was very high, with lots of skill and free flowing rugby on display.

Many of the players will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of the current Ulster stars such as Cave, Henry and Andrew Trimble who also participated in the festival.

Speaking following the four day festival at Kingspan Stadium, Kevin Paterson, Group Commercial Manager, Maxol Group said:“We were delighted to welcome so many young rugby players here this week to take part in this festival at such a wonderful stadium.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for the players to demonstrate and improve their skills, while having fun and making friends.

“We’re proud of Maxol’s partnership with Ulster Mini Rugby as together we work to develop grassroots rugby and to serving the local communities.”

Leading forecourt and convenience retailer Maxol is the title sponsor of the Ulster Mini Rugby Programme.

As well as the Primary Schools Festival, club grounds across the Province host similar events over the course of the season.

The Maxol Mini Rugby festivals attract thousands of young players, offering them the opportunity to develop their rugby skills and meet their Ulster Rugby heroes.

Mini Rugby is the introductory level of the sport throughout Ulster in which boys and girls aged 6-12 gain their first taste of the sport and begin to learn the basic skills.

You can find out more about the Ulster Mini Rugby Programme by visiting: www.ulsterrugby.com or www.maxol.com.