RUGBY ACADEMY

  • Men’s

    • Proven record at School’s Cup level including excellent references from school coach

    • Age grade representation at Provincial /National level for school or club system.

    • Representation at Ulster Junior Level and or Proven record of success at senior club level

    Women’s

    • Proven Record in Danske Bank X7s Schools Cup

    • Represented Ulster U18 in Interpro Series

    • Potential to play for Ulster Senior Women


  • Tier 2 Men’s

    • Age grade representation at International level, or

    • Potential to play Professional Rugby, or

    • An exceptional school leaver with outstanding potential may be considered, based on appropriate references

      And:

    • Will attain and hold a starting position during AIL league for QUB 1stXV

    • A key driver of the club first team on and off the pitch, with impeccable standards.

    Tier 2 Women’s

    • Selection on senior Ulster Women’s Interprovincial Squad /Leading to Irish Wolfhound Selection ( Combined provinces)

    • Including in WNTS Squad (IRFU)

    • Will attain and hold a starting position for QUB 1stXV

  • D.Chambers@qub.ac.uk

  • David Creighton - Director of Rugby

    I have coached at Queens University for eleven seasons as a Performance coach for the Men’s 1st XV specialising in backs and attack.  Alongside this I was Director of Rugby at Belfast Royal Academy.  I was also  Head Coach for the school 1st XV. 
    Other coaching experience has included coaching Ulster U19 Schools and Ulster U18 Schools.

  • David Chambers - Rugby Development Officer

    I’ve been the Rugby Development Officer at Queen’s University Belfast since 2017, where I focus on growing the game, supporting student-athletes, and building a strong rugby culture across both the men’s and women’s programs. Before that, I spent nine years with Ulster Rugby in a range of development roles, working across schools, clubs, and talent pathways. I also head coached the Ulster U18 Girls and the Ulster Senior Women’s teams,

  • Colm Finnegan - Women's Head Coach

    Currently National Development Manager with Irish Rugby, 20 years of experience across national and provincial game, creating and implementing development programmes. Coached across the male and female game at all levels, including as Manager with Irish Rugby u18 women and current Head Coach with Ulster U18s women.

Support Services

The Sports Development Team at Queen’s Sport will be coordinating the support structure for all scholarship recipients and aim to make this achievement as beneficial as possible. This award entitles you to a number of benefits, which are coordinated by the Director of Rugby and Rugby Development Officer. You will be required to follow the training programme maintain the Academy performance standards as set out by the Head Rugby Coach. 

  • Personal and specific athletic development programmes throughout the season 

  • Academic flexibility  

  • Lifestyle and time management mentoring 

  • Physiotherapy and sports medicine support on a needs analysis through Kingsbridge

  • All-inclusive membership to all indoor and outdoor sports facilities at Queen’s Sport 

  • Bespoke training and leisure clothing 

  • Degree Plus accreditation (route A) upon full completion of Academy programme