MINI RUGBY
Saturday 18th April 2026
Welcome one and all to Ballyclare Rugby Club.
Mini rugby first started in Ulster back in 1972, by the late former Irish International, British Lion and Club Member, Ronnie Lamont along with fellow teacher and ally, Willie Gribben. They devised a format to make it easier to introduce rugby to primary school aged children, resulting in the first ever game being played at Inchmarlo. The first Ballyclare Mini Rugby festival was held in 1982 when only 8 teams took part!!!! Now in its 44th year, the event will play host to over 1000 boys and girls from the 17 clubs in attendance today, helping the game of mini rugby to develop and grow throughout the province year on year.
With that in mind please remember the children playing here today are not professionals, the coaches and referees are volunteers(and human!) so LET’S MAKE SURE EVERYONE ENJOYS THEIR DAY!!!!
If possible, please car-share as the car parks will be very busy!
Hot food, drinks and snacks are available all day from the Pavilion in front of the clubhouse. For those that are feeling thirsty, please feel free to head upstairs to the bar for cold refreshments from 1200!!
Finally, can I take this opportunity to thank all our sponsors and suppliers along with the Ballyclare Mini Rugby Family who have yet again came out in force to support the Festival. Without them giving up their time and energy the festival simply would not happen.
Gareth Stewart
BRFC Mini Rugby Convener 25/26
Mini rugby first started in Ulster back in 1972, by the late former Irish International, British Lion and Club Member, Ronnie Lamont along with fellow teacher and ally, Willie Gribben. They devised a format to make it easier to introduce rugby to primary school aged children, resulting in the first ever game being played at Inchmarlo. The first Ballyclare Mini Rugby festival was held in 1982 when only 8 teams took part!!!! Now in its 44th year, the event will play host to over 1000 boys and girls from the 17 clubs in attendance today, helping the game of mini rugby to develop and grow throughout the province year on year.
With that in mind please remember the children playing here today are not professionals, the coaches and referees are volunteers(and human!) so LET’S MAKE SURE EVERYONE ENJOYS THEIR DAY!!!!
If possible, please car-share as the car parks will be very busy!
Hot food, drinks and snacks are available all day from the Pavilion in front of the clubhouse. For those that are feeling thirsty, please feel free to head upstairs to the bar for cold refreshments from 1200!!
Finally, can I take this opportunity to thank all our sponsors and suppliers along with the Ballyclare Mini Rugby Family who have yet again came out in force to support the Festival. Without them giving up their time and energy the festival simply would not happen.
Gareth Stewart
BRFC Mini Rugby Convener 25/26
Please view links below for Tournament Info and Match Schedule:
Please view our Pitch Maps to find where your team is playing:
Thank you to all of our Sponsors and Suppliers:
