Edmund Rice College

This year has seen a rugby revival at Edmund Rice College, thanks in no small part to the arrival of a new student to the school. Mark Chungwe, originally from Zambia joined the school from Belfast High School, where he had experienced the game at a senior level, taking part in the Renault Schools Cup and appearing for the school’s 1st XV.

In an interesting aside, Mark’s family had a previous link with Edmund Rice College, due to his father being educated by a former principal of the school, Brother Ignatius while still living in Livingstone, Zambia, where Mark spent his early years. 

Prior to this year there had been little or no Rugby at Edmund Rice, but upon his joining Mark linked up with rugby enthusiasts among the staff, Mr Mcgoldrick and Mr Magill, and UUJ Sports Outreach Coach Robert Ford to drum up support for the School’s first senior team, at under-17 level.

Before long there was a core squad of around 20 boys training regularly, mainly from a Gaelic games background. Credit is due to the squad, who put to good use their previous skills in handling and kicking, and picked up the game very quickly to earn a draw in their first match against Rathmore Grammar, who boasted a more experienced side. Building on this, the school earned their first win against local rivals St. Benedict’s, and performed well in creditable defeats to St. Mary’s, Magherafelt and Carrickfergus Grammar School respectably.

Mark was selected to captain the side by his peers, and has led from the front with strong performances in each of the matches. He is also helping to develop the sport within the school by seeking to attain coaching qualifications, and joining with other senior squad members in volunteering to run training sessions within the school for junior pupils.

Such is the enthusiasm among the new converts to the game, that as many as 8 of the senior squad joined, and now regularly play club rugby for local sides, including Mark who is a member of Carrickfergus Rugby Club.

The pinnacle of the season so far came just before the Easter break, when the side, captained by Mark overcame their local rivals Glengormley High School 14-0 in the first cross-community game between the two sides. The game was a close affair, played in a good spirit, with tries from Paul Baker and Mark Mearns, both being converted by Ryan Campbell to seal the victory for the Hightown side.