A new series of Ulster’s Got The X Factor is to start next month as Ulster Rugby continues it’s province wide search for a superstar.
Back in January it was 18 – 25 year old girls that were being sought and now it’s 15 – 25 year old boys!
While the screening of the girls was carried out behind closed doors, by eccentric entrepreneur, Holywood Mike, this series held will be under the full glare of the cameras with a celebrity packed panel of judges ready to give their opinions as each contestant completes their skit!
Head of Judges, and Simon Cowell lookalike, Daryll Callaghan will be the man pulling the strings, and his waistband, as Ulster Rugby endeavour to reach for unprecedented heights in their talent search. He’ll certainly have his work cut out keeping the squabbling to a minimum amongst fellow judges Stephen “Cheryl” Ferris, and Dan “Dani” Tuohy, though Callaghan’s job should be made easier with Johann “The Hoff” Muller there to keep the youngsters in order!
‘Ulster’s Giant Challenge’ has been devised by the IRFU, Ulster Rugby and Sport NI with the objective to provide tall, talented athletes with the opportunity to play professional rugby.
Applicants from all sporting backgrounds can apply to attend a screening day on 25th June 2011, where they will be assessed on the functional roles of a second row forward. These involve,
- punching an opposing prop through the legs of your own prop without being detected by the referee.
- falling sideways out of a line-out as if you’ve just been punched and rolling about until a penalty is awarded against your opponent
- never passing a ball, no matter how big an overlap is, and the old favourite
- belly-flopping over the top of a ruck.
Successful applicants will then be entered into the Ulster Rugby player development pathway, providing an environment that gives them the best possible opportunity to play professional rugby.
Speaking on the initiative Chairman of Judges, Darryl Callaghan said:
We’d like to thanks Stevi and Dani for developing the functional roles after many years of displaying them at the highest level. We are keen to assess tall young athletes from various sporting backgrounds with the potential and ambition to play professional rugby for Ulster and even Ireland in the future. If they can complete the functional roles above they are in with a good chance!
However if things don’t work out here I’m sure Munster will take them.
You can get the full details of Ulster’s Giant Challenge here.
Corrections, comments or questions?