Rugby enjoying a resurgence on the campus of NUI Galway

Talking Sport with Stephen Glennon

A new chapter is unfolding in the history of one of the oldest rugby clubs in Ireland, NUI Galway RFC – or UCG as they are still affectionately known – with a number of exciting developments taking place at the moment.

Founded in 1874, NUIG – then Queens’ College Galway – was one of the clubs to the fore in the establishment of the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) in 1879 and, historically, is one of the most successful clubs in the province.

In recent decades though, the club did lose its way somewhat. However, with the increased profile of the game – particularly at provincial and national levels – enjoying unprecedented popularity, the proverbial rising tide has lifted all boats. NUI Galway RFC is no exception.

Although NUIG is a university entity, it is also a standalone IRFU club boasting of players from inside and outside the college. Most, though, are of the opinion that the club is solely student based – a perception NUIG is working to alter through a number of exciting initiatives.

One of these is the new underage structure they put in place in 2011 and through which they are now fielding U-14, U-15 and U-16 teams. “The connection originally was with Na Bairneachaí (mini rugby club). It was not a feeder group as such but there was a very strong link there,” begins PRO Dr. Tony Hall.

“So, young fellows came through there. You take some of the other colleges, they wouldn’t necessarily have kids in an academy. We are unique in that way. Already, they have had a bit of success with the academy teams winning their last five or six games and they won their development league last year.

“It is very significant that there is now an opportunity for them to play for the university. Hopefully that will encourage them to consider going to college in NUIG. So, it is good from an education point of view as well.”

No doubt, the new underage club is a welcome adjunct to the west side of the city with players no longer, if they so wish, having to cross the Corrib to play. In addition to providing an outlet for children in Salthill, Knocknacarra, Newcastle, Westside and Dangan, the club also caters for children of the university’s sizeable staff.

While there is currently a gap between the ages of 16 and 18 – which the club is investigating filling with a schoolboys’ team from the city until the older grades kick in – they do boast of a very strong U-20s combined team with Corinthians.

The club sees this as a hugely important grade given it can always be a challenge for players – men and women – to make the transition from underage to adult rugby. Also, in the past, this has been an age group when there has been a fall-off in numbers.

For more, read this week’s Galway City Tribune.