Ulster rugby stars coming to Judges Road

The event will provide fans in the North West with the opportunity to meet their heroes and see how they train.

The squad is currently in the middle of a hectic pre-season routine but will continue their preparations with an Open Training Session in front of an expected large crowd at Judges Road.

The day kicks off with a Mini Rugby Exhibition, when local kids will get the opportunity to display some of their skills in front of their Ulster heroes. This will be followed by an Ulster squad 90 minute Open Training Session.

The Ulster Players will then host a skills challenge and will pass on some tips to current players and members of the public who could become potential Ulster stars of the future.

Barry Willis, Community Rugby Manager at the IRFU Ulster Branch, commented: “The visit of Ulster Rugby to the North West represents a unique occasion for the general public of the north-west to meet the professional players, see how they train and get the chance to have a chat with some famous faces they have probably only seen on TV to this point.

“For our hosts at City of Derry RFC, this visit represents the prospect of galvanising interest in rugby across the region and to showcase itself as an important feature of the landscape of rugby in Ulster. For Ulster Rugby as an organisation, this is a great opportunity to say thank you for the strong support the team receives from the North of the Province and to give a little back in the hope of inspiring new participants and followers to the game.”

Moss Dineen, Vice Chairman Rugby Development at City of Derry added: “City of Derry Rugby Club is delighted to host this engagement with Ulster Rugby in the North West of the Province. We welcome this connection between the professional and domestic game via the Rugby Clubs in Derry, Donegal and Tyrone.

“The promotion and growth of rugby can only be enhanced by Ulster Rugby making itself a community based team, with visits like this throughout the Province.

“City of Derry Rugby Club would like to invite everyone who is interested in Sport in the North West to come along to Judges Road on Thursday next to experience how Professional Rugby Players prepare for the coming season.

“We would encourage people from other sports like Gaelic, Soccer and Athletics etc to come along and participate in and try the skill sessions given by the Ulster Players.”