RUGBY

First Round Fixtures Munster Schools Senior and Junior Cup

November 30, 2017 / Luke Liddy /

The draw for the Clayton Hotels Munster Schools Senior and Junior Cup competitions took place in Thomond Park last evening.

The first round of both competitions kicks off on the week beginning Monday, January 15, 2018, and the final participants have yet to be decided with qualifiers taking place next week.

The senior and junior sides from Coláiste Pobail Bheanntraí and St Clement’s face off on Tuesday with the venues to be confirmed.

The winners of the senior tie will progress into the first round of the Clayton Hotels Munster Schools Senior Cup.

The victors at junior level will face Crescent College in the first round while the losing side will play Ardscoil for the final place in the first round.

The five winners of the first round ties will advance to the last-eight stage with four of those teams getting a home draw. One of the five losing teams will be given a bye into the quarter-finals with the other four going into the play-offs to decide the remaining two quarter-finalists – the play-offs take place on the week beginning January 22.

The Junior Cup quarter-finals will take place between January 29 and Friday, February 2, with the Senior Cup quarter-finals being played the following week. The semi-finals of the Junior Cup will be played on the week beginning February 19 and the Senior Cup begin on the week of February 26.

The final of the Junior Cup take place on the week beginning March 5 with the Senior Cup final on Sunday, March 18.

Full details of the @ClaytonHotels Munster Schools Senior & Junior Cup draw | https://t.co/RV0K3EQ4X2 #MSSC #MSJC #MunsterStartsHere pic.twitter.com/o7rMj6mplu

— Munster Rugby (@Munsterrugby) November 29, 2017

Speaking at the draw, Munster Branch President Charlie Buckley said: “We wish all of the schools involved the very best for the upcoming campaign.

“For these players, the season started in July and while they have played a number of friendlies already this year, this draw is always eagerly awaited.

“It has been fantastic to see more schools progressing in recent years with a superb Glenstal Abbey side reaching last year’s final as Bandon Grammar were very unlucky to lose their semi-final.

“Of course the parents play a huge part in all of this and we are very thankful for the vital role they play and for their support.”

Pat Reddan of Clayton Hotels said: “Clayton Hotels are delighted to be entering our third year as sponsor of the Clayton Hotels Munster Schools Senior and Junior Cup competitions.

“To be involved in schools rugby, which helps the development of many of our future Munster and Irish rugby stars is not an opportunity that you pass on.

“To all teams involved, I would like to wish you all the very best of luck.”