Senior Rugby

Focus in recent years has centred around a simple approach to rugby in terms of game plan, this has been coupled with a heavier focus on player skills development.  This affords players the freedom and expression to play an uncomplicated and very entertaining brand of attacking rugby which other teams have struggled to match.
We are renowned for our creative back play and in the last two seasons this has been coupled with a uncompromising forward pack providing the perfect compliment.

Player Comments

Gareth Lynn

Academy 1st XV 2006-to date, club captain 2005-2007
Position:    Back Row
Former clubs: Belfast Harlequins
Comment: ‘Academy has a very welcoming atmosphere and plays good brand of competitive rugby. It has been recently pleasing to see younger players coming through to the 1st XV to help push the club forward.’

James McKay

Academy 1st XV 2006-to date club captain 2008-2009
Position:    loose head prop,
Former clubs: Glamorgan Wanderers (Wales), Whakatane Marist (NZ)
Comment: ‘I have really enjoyed the last few seasons I have spent at Academy RFC, the camaraderie at the club is second to no other club I have ever been involved with.  There is a core group of talented players at the club now that have a strong desire to push Academy to new heights, It is very exciting being part of that ’  

Iain Knox

Academy 1st XV 2008- to date
Position:    Scrum Half
Former clubs: Instonians, Nova Scotia Keltics (Canada)
Comment: ‘having attended BRA as a schoolboy, playing for Academy was always going to be my natural calling.  My father was part of a very successful team during his playing career, I am very keen to see Academy lifted to its previous heights as a strong force in Ulster Rugby once more.  Leaving BRA and joining Instonians helped me gain provincial and international honors at different levels, I  Promised myself that I would always finish my playing career at Academy.  Joining during Pre Season training of 2008-09 it was nice to be home back at Academy Rugby Football Club!