RUGBY ACADEMY
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Must be a registered QUB student with a valid QUB student card
Has played representative rugby at Provincial or International level.
Demonstrable ability to play at AIL level, with a minimum of one season’s experience at a level appropriate to the QUB 1st XV.
Exceptional school leavers may be considered based on outstanding potential and a strong school /pathway reference.
Benefits:
Academic mentoring & flexibility with course requirements
All-inclusive membership to all indoor & outdoor sports facilities at Queen’s
Bespoke leisure clothing
Bespoke, personal Sports nutrition advice & supplements on needs basis
Degree Plus accreditation (route A) upon full completion of Academy programme
Access to the Queen’s Sport Performance A.I.M. development programme
Potential year end Stipend (Bronze, Silver and Gold)
Physiotherapy and Athletic Development Support.
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Eligibility Criteria:
Must be a registered QUB student with a valid QUB student number.
Demonstrates consistent commitment to the club’s performance environment (training, S&C, analysis).
Has regularly represented the U20 J.P. Flanagan team in their first year.
Has some AIL experience or has shown the ability to compete at QUB 1st XV level.
Benefits:
Academic mentoring & flexibility with course requirements
All-inclusive membership to all indoor & outdoor sports facilities at Queen’s
Bespoke leisure Academy Top
Access to Bespoke S&C Programming and performance team sessions
Opportunity to progress in the Rugby Academy pathway
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Eligibility Criteria:
Must be a registered QUB student with a valid QUB student number.
Exceptional school leaver with strong potential and a positive reference from school or club.
Demonstrates a clear commitment to their school or club rugby programme.
Expected to represent QUB U20 XV consistently throughout the season.
Benefits:
Academic mentoring & flexibility with course requirements
Access to the Queen’s Sport Performance A.I.M. development programme
Access to Bespoke S&C Programming and performance team sessions
Opportunity to progress in the Rugby Academy pathway
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Proven Record in Danske Bank X7s Schools Cup
Represented Ulster U18 in Interpro Series
Potential to play for Ulster Senior Women
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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
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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,
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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
Our Students
Dan Green
Health,Physical Activity and Sport
Daniel Green is an exciting young fly-half who plays for Queen’s University Belfast and has recently joined the Ulster Rugby Academy for the 2025–26 season. He studies PE and Sport at Stranmillis University College and has already represented Ireland at U18 and U20 levels, including appearances in the U20 Six Nations and World Championship. Known for his playmaking ability and game management, Green is seen as one of Ulster’s most promising up-and-coming talents.
Maebh Clenaghan
Medicine
Maebh Clenaghan is a talented front-row forward who plays for Queen’s University Belfast and the Ulster Women’s team. A former Letterkenny RFC player, she has represented Ireland at U20 level, touring Italy and Scotland in 2023. A Queen’s Elite Athlete and medical student, Maebh has been instrumental in Ulster’s recent resurgence, bringing leadership and competitiveness to the squad. She also featured for the Wolfhounds in the Celtic Challenge competition, showcasing her ability at an elite level.
