Saturday saw RBAI’s rugby sesquicentenary celebrations get underway with a match featuring an Ulster President’s Schools’ XV vs RBAI XV at Osborne.
It was wonderful to see many familiar faces, spanning seven decades of rugby at Inst gather to reminisce and celebrate the role rugby has played in the history of the School. Guests had an opportunity to see some of the entries to the Rugby 150 art competition and hear some of the poetry composed by pupils as part of the celebrations.
While current internationals James Hume and Michael Lowry were representing Ulster in South Africa, we were delighted to be joined by former British Lions David Hewitt, Ronnie Lamont and David Irwin, along with former Irish internationals Peter Russell, Keith Crossin, Harry McKibbin and Gerry Gilpin.
Osborne was bathed in sunshine as RBAI’s XV started with real intent. Two early tries gave RBAI momentum as they restricted the Ulster XV to their own half for long periods. The game gradually opened up and a large crowd were treated to some fine running rugby. A final score of 24-24 was befitting for the occasion.
We are grateful to Gary Leslie, President of the IRFU Ulster Branch, for supporting our celebrations and fielding an exciting Schools’ XV.