Outhalf Ian Madigan launched a new club rugby initiative that will take place at half time during the Ulster Bank League final in the Aviva Stadium on Sunday 8th May. Ulster Bank is calling on players around the country to enter a competition for their chance to try a 32 metre drop-kick and win €10,000 for their club.
Picture credit: Matt Browne / SPORTSFILE
The Ireland and Leinster player tried a few drop-kicks as Ulster Bank announced their new ‘Drop Kick for your Club’ initiative to support grassroots rugby in Ireland. The challenge will give four participants; one selected from each province, a chance to nail a drop-kick from 32 metres on the Aviva Stadium pitch during half time of the club final. Each contestant will earn €2,500 for their club just for taking part and if someone lands the kick, a further €10,000 will be donated to their club. If more than one kicker is successful, the prize pot of €10,000 will be shared.
Players can enter on behalf of their club via the Ulster Bank Rugby Facebook page and must provide a reason within 50 words why their club deserves the money. Entries can be submitted up to 12.00pm on the 30th April 2016. Full competition details and terms and conditions are available on the Ulster Bank Rugby Facebook page: www.facebook.com/UlsterBankRugby.
The ‘Drop Kick for your Club’ challenge will take place in the middle of what is shaping up to be an exciting final. Past seasons has seen Leinster clubs dominate the Ulster Bank League however, this season is different. Young Munster travel to Temple Hill to take on Cork Constitution and UCD make the short trip to Castle Avenue to battle it out with Clontarf in the semi-finals. This will guarantee a Leinster vs Munster final, which will add an extra bit of spice to the season finale.
Ulster Bank ambassador, Alan Quinlan, who will MC the competition on the day, commented, “I’m delighted to be part of the ‘Drop Kick for your Club’ challenge at half time of the Ulster Bank League Final. The development of club rugby is something that is very important for the future of Irish rugby and it’s great to see Ulster Bank continue to show their support. The ‘Drop Kick for your Club’ challenge will add a bit of half time excitement during the Ulster Bank League Final, which is gearing up to be a great day”.
Over the past number of seasons, Ulster Bank has provided over €130,000 in funding to over 170 rugby clubs across the island of Ireland and they are delighted to continue their support with this new initiative during this year’s Ulster Bank League final.