RYAN Upritchard has been announced as this season’s Ards Rugby Club 1st
XV captain, with Jack Smith and Adam Finlay being named vice-captains.
Ryan came through the mini rugby programme at Ards before becoming Regent House 1st XV captain in 2020 and then returning to Ards Rugby upon leaving school, establishing
himself as a regular in the backline.
Jack and Adam are also former Regent House players; Jack came to Ards upon leaving school in 2018 and he too has become a regular in the 1st XV backline, while former Regent captain Adam has joined Ards this season following a spell in the AIL with Belfast Harlequins.
This is a young leadership group but all have shown their leadership qualities
and will be ably supported by the senior players in the squad. Ards put on record their thanks to last season’s captain Matthew Kane for his leadership.
Condolences
ARDS Rugby president Warren Simpson would like to express his condolences and those of all club members to the Campbell family following the passing of Colin Campbell.
Colin had been in poor health for a period of time, he was a former Ards player and the brother of past presidents, former players and club members Jimmy and Wes Campbell.
The thoughts and prayers of all at Ards Rugby are with Lynda, Ross, Wes, Jimmy and the entire family. Funeral details are not known at the time of going to press.
Summer camps
DURING the school holidays, Ards Rugby will be hosting two summer rugby camps, for both mini and youth rugby players.
Like last season, the camps will be run in conjunction with Dubai-based Ards Rugby player Jonny Harris’ coaching academy, ‘JustRugbyDXB’. Both camps are designed for boys and girls of all skill levels and will focus on the fundamentals of rugby, including how to pass, catch, ruck and tackle.
Both camps will run from 10am-1pm, on the following dates:
Youth (boys & girls, 11-16) – Monday to Wednesday, July 29 to 31
Mini (boys & girls P1-Yr8) – Monday to Wednesday, August 5 to 7
The cost per participant is £40 for Ards Rugby members and £50 for non-members, which includes a healthy snack each day and a barbeque on the final day of each camp.
It doesn’t matter who you are, what school you go to, what your rugby experience is or who you play for…sign up today and start your child’s journey to becoming a better rugby player.
Registration and payment is via the club’s Facebook page.
Congratulations
FORMER Ards Rugby youth player Jacob McTier has recently been selected
into the Western Australia Rugby Academy.
Jacob and his family emigrated to Perth earlier this year and wasted no time in getting involved with his local rugby club. Renowned for his pace and aggressive tackling, it didn’t take long for his talent to be recognised. Well done, Jacob, from all at Ards Rugby.
Ards Rugby Men’s Shed
THE Men’s Shed meets at Hamilton Park on Monday mornings from 9.30am-12.30pm.
It is the perfect opportunity for those of a certain vintage to come together, maintain good mental health through social interaction, have some physical activity and to carry out some tasks around the club grounds/clubhouse.
You don’t have to be a club member or interested in rugby to be part of ARMS – just turn up on a Monday morning at 9.30am.
Coaches & volunteers needed
WITH increasing numbers, the club’s mini and youth coaches could really do with a hand.
If you’re interested in helping out with mini or youth rugby (boys and girls) one night a week and on Saturday mornings for youth or Sunday afternoons for the mini section, get in touch. Whilst rugby/coaching experience is desirable, it’s not essential, and if you don’t want to coach the club also needs assistance with other roles such as admin, social media and catering.
Give it a try and be part of it. For further details, contact director of rugby Stevie Nutt via email: directorofrugby@ardsrugby.co.uk.
Give Ards Rugby a try
NEW players at all levels are always welcome at Ards Rugby.
No playing experience is necessary. If you fancy giving Ards Rugby a try, please contact the following for details:
Seniors – Stevie Nutt 07783 475153 or email: directorofrugby@ardsrugby.co.uk
Academy (18-21) – Stevie Cullen – 07969 812278
Youth boys (12-18) – Matthew Wallace 07702 449339
Youth girls (12-18) – Jill Shaw 07742 045798 / girls@ardsrugby.co.uk
Minis (P1-P7) – Will Agnew 07763 119788 / minis@ardsrugby.co.uk
Parking notice
THOSE attending Ards Rugby are kindly asked to make use of the ample parking within the Hamilton Park grounds.
Please also adhere to the No Parking cones placed on Lansdowne Road on match days. The PSNI will issue fixed penalties where appropriate.
