IN NO OTHER sport does a breeding ground quite like the Schools Senior Cup exist. The competition’s swelling levels of professionalism and quality is reflected in the heightened substance afforded to it by the four provinces, players and schools.
This afternoon, the Leinster Schools Senior Cup gets under way with last year’s winners, and the competition’s protagonists, Blackrock College beginning their defence against Terenure College at Donnybrook.
It marks the beginning of the show-piece event of the schools season and a three month period of non-stop action across all four provinces as the next generation of stars are given an undiluted platform to exhibit their ability and make a name for themselves.
Just as importantly, however, is the competition’s facility to provide young players with a rich, and indeed raw, rugby education.
Once again, Blackrock are the favourites as the 68-time winners begin their quest to win three Senior Cups in a row. They narrowly beat Clongowes Wood 22-17 at the RDS last year and it would take a brave punter to bet against Peter Smyth’s side lifting the trophy on St Patrick’s weekend.
Their first hurdle comes in the form of a Terenure side with Leinster’s Isaac Boss among their coaching staff. The fixture also is the beginning of Setanta Sports’ coverage of both the Senior and Junior Cups.
In addition to today’s game, the broadcaster will televise the four second-round games, the semi-finals and then the final. In the Junior Cup, meanwhile, Setanta will show the semi-finals and final live.
The media coverage given to the competition is another indication of its relevance Source: Colm O’Neill/INPHO
The extensive media coverage given to all four provinces underlines the significance and prestige of the competitions and as primary sponsor of the Leinster Senior Cup, Bank of Ireland are proud to be associated with schools rugby.
“We realise that to get these players to professional team level there is a broad underage base of participation built around the twin pillars of schools and club rugby,” Ian Murray, Sponsorship manager at Bank of Ireland, told The42.
All eight first round ties are down for decision this week. On Monday, CUS make their return to the big stage after missing out last year when they face a dangerous CBC Monkstown who have already beaten St Michael’s and Clongowes this term.
The smaller schools will look to St Andrews’ exploits last year as inspiration. The Booterstown school were the surprise package in 2014 as they punched above their weight by making it to the semi-finals where they gave Clongowes a run for their money.