Ulster U18 Development squad entertained Canadian side New Brunswick Select on Friday evening at Dungannon Rugby Club.

New Brunswick coach Troy Dickson brought us up to speed on the team who have played three games in six days as part of their tour the the 2017 Women’s Rugby World Cup in Dublin and Belfast. It’s been a busy trip with the players also taking in Match Day 2 and Match Day 3 World Cup fixtures where they watched Canada beat Wales and lose to New Zealand.

The team are made up of players from six local High Schools as well as a few senior club players and as their season is generally limited to five or six games they have thoroughly enjoyed getting in some game time during their trip. As well as taking back fond memories of the famed Irish hospitality the players will also be returning with a valuable rugby experience under the belts.

After the game Ulster U18 Backs Coach Zoe Templeton thanked the New Brunswick side for fitting the game into their busy schedule.[su_quote]

It was an excellent game played in the true spirit of rugby by two determined teams. It has been particularly helpful to our coaches and squad as it’s the first time we have had the opportunity to view a this season’s cohort in a competitive match. 

New Brunswick proved themselves as talented opposition and we have gained valuable insight into our squad dept which will stand us in good stead for the upcoming Inter-provincial series. 

Once again, we’d like to thank New Brunswick for making the trip to Dungannon and we wish their players and coaches all the best for the future and a safe journey back to Canada.[/su_quote]

As for the game, which was played in three 20 minutes segments, Ulster U18 came out on top with Lucy Turkington, among others, catching the eye in an entertaining match. It’s a big FRU shout out for our Larne girls Rachael Livingston and Megan Ellis who both managed to cross the line.

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