Ulster Bank is pumping up support for the end of the season for its sponsored All Ireland League in Rugby by offering fans a chance to win €10,000 for their club by completing a 32 metre drop kick at the Aviva Stadium during half time of the Division 1A decider which is guaranteed to be a Leinster Munster showdown.
Leinster and Ireland’s Ian Madigan would probably fancy his chances but the nature of sport is that we all would, until the reality shows that it might just be trickier than we imagine in our minds from the couch or the back of the stand.
He was on hand to launch the event yesterday and answer questions about his imminent departure from Ireland, securing plenty of coverage of the photo above at least in today’s mainstream media.
The challenge will give four participants – one selected from each province – a chance to nail a drop kick and win for their club during the final on May 8th.
Each contestant will earn €2,500 for their club just for taking part and if someone lands the kick, a further €10,000 will be donated to their club.
Players can enter on behalf of their club via the Ulster Bank Rugby Facebook page and must provide a reason within 50 words why their club deserves the money.
It’s a neat way to engage with the grassroots for a modest enough investment but one which would make a big difference to many clubs as they draw to the end of their own season.
“The development of club rugby is something that is very important for the future of Irish rugby and it’s great to see Ulster Bank continue to show their support,” said Ulster Bank ambassador Alan Quinlan, who will MC the competition on the day.
“The ‘Drop Kick for your Club’ challenge will add a bit of half time excitement during the Ulster Bank League final, which is gearing up to be a great day.”
Over the past number of seasons, Ulster Bank has provided over €130,000 in funding to over 170 rugby clubs across the island of Ireland and this new initiative is another way to activate their ongoing engagement with grassroots.
