As part of our campaign to publicise Schools’ rugby in Ulster, we are travelling the length and breadth of the province to visit the schools competing in this years’ Schools’ Cup. This week, we turn our focus on Grosvenor Grammar School.
History

Grosvenor Grammar School was founded in 1945 and throughout the years has earned a deserved reputation for very high standards of achievement and innovation in education.

In April 2010, Grosvenor moved into a new state-of-the-art building which boasts world-class facilities for education and extra-curricular activities at the school; including sport, making them one of the strongest threats in the Schools’ Cup competition.

History with the Schools’ Cup

Grosvenor have won the Schools’ Cup once, in 1983, but have continued to develop and remain strong in the competition throughout the last decade, having reached the quarter-final and semi-final stages.

They have also reached the final of the Schools’ Bowl for the past two seasons and have had numerous successes in the Medallion Shield.

Coach

Kyle McCallan and Gary Hunter

First XV Squad (2010-2011)

Michael Adair

Neil Adams

Matthew Allen

Matthew Cahoon

Ben Coard

Peter Davidson

Chris Elliot

Mark Foster (captain)

Billy Gibson

Matthew Harland

Scott Irvine

Martyn Irwin

Nick Jones

Paul Kennedy

Steven Marshal

Ryan McKnight

David Moore

Stephen O’Hare

Connor Sinclair

Stuart Smyth

Isaac Thompson

Ian Watson

Tours

Last year the rugby team travelled to Wakefield, England where they participated in a rugby festival held at Silcoates Grammar School and went on to win the tournament.

Summer 2011 also looks to be an exciting summer for the boys as they are due to travel to South Africa on a rugby tour.

With major tours planned every three or four years, Grosvenor’s rugby teams have the opportunity to embark on smaller tours to England, Rome and Barcelona in between.

2009-2010 Schools’ Cup campaign

Grosvenor got through to the third round where they faced Coleraine AI. The squad progressed into the Schools’ Bowl and reached the final against Foyle & Londonderry.

Goals for the new season?

The ultimate goal for the First XV is to gel as a team and play well, to produce the results they need to progress as far as possible within the competition.

Squad strength

Traditionally, Grosvenor’s strength has been found within their forward pack, yet this season the strength of the squad can be found in all aspects of their game. From the forwards, to their backs, to their lineout function and general pace and fitness; there isn’t one area where Grosvenor look weakened.

Players to watch?

Mark Foster, Grosvenor’s captain and an Ulster Schools’ player.

Paul Kennedy, plays centre, and is very strong and shows great pace.

Matthew Harland, who plays in the second row, is another key player for the team.

Present Ulster Schools’ players?

The schools’ captain, Mark Foster.

Previous Ulster Schools’ players?

Grosvenor has a strong tradition of producing Ulster and Ireland Schools’ players throughout the few years, and with the new facilities the school has access to, the coaching staff hope to increase the number of players selected for Ulster Schools’ sides.