RUGBY CLUB COULD BE A REAL FORCE

DROMORE RFC have been announced as one of 16 rugby clubs to be shortlisted for Ulster Bank RugbyForce - an initiative which provides rugby clubs with a support package to renovate their club and upgrade their facilities.

The clubs will now be put to a public vote. The club with the highest number of votes will be named as the fifth winner of the support package worth £5,000. Voting is open until Friday May 24 and votes can be cast online at www.ulsterbank.com/rugby.

This year, Ulster Bank RugbyForce received record number of entries, from rugby clubs across the country, totalling 135. This is the first year that there will be five winners announced, with one coming down to a public vote.

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Now in its third year, Ulster Bank continues to show their dedication to grassroots rugby through their partnership with the IRFU as the ‘Official Community Partner’. Ulster Bank RugbyForce encourages rugby supporters, their friends and families to give something back to their local community and rugby club by volunteering to undertake renovations to clubhouses and grounds. The first 50 clubs who registered for the initiative will also receive £250 towards their Ulster Bank RugbyForce event.

Speaking at the announcement of the Ulster Bank RugbyForce winners and shortlist, Jim Ryan, Managing Director of Branch Banking, Ulster Bank said: “Once again, Ulster Bank RugbyForce has proven to be a successful initiative with continued growth each year. I am delighted to say that we received our highest number of entries this year and it is great to see an initiative that supports clubs across the country, getting the support and recognition it deserves.

“Ulster Bank is dedicated to the future of Irish rugby and we are delighted to present Birr, Midleton, Westport and Newry with their support packages. For the first time, there will be a public vote to decide our fifth winner and I urge all those communities and club members to get behind their club and vote for them.”

Mr Billy Glynn, President, Irish Rugby Football Union said: “Ulster Bank’s RugbyForce initiative is extremely popular and beneficial to clubs across the island of Ireland.

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“The initiative, which this year allows people to vote for their winner, provides a fantastic opportunity to unite club members and volunteers to improve their club and community rugby facilities.

“This is at the very heart of IRFU policy which works to maintain a healthy and vibrant club scene.”

Ulster Bank RugbyForce is part of RBS Group’s, Ulster Bank’s parent company, wider RugbyForce programme that is delivered with their retail divisions partners across the UK.

In partnership with the respective rugby unions and underpinned by their sponsorship of the RBS 6 Nations, the initiative helps clubs at the grassroots of the game to improve their facilities. Since RugbyForce’s launch in 2009 it has attracted a significant number of clubs to register.