Clayton Hotels Munster Schools Cup Draw
30th November 2016 By Munster Rugby
The draw for the Clayton Hotels Munster Schools Senior and Junior Cup competitions took place earlier today in Cork and threw up a number of intriguing ties.
First round draw (Senior and Junior Cup)
Rockwell College v St Munchin's College
Glenstal Abbey v St Clement's College
CBC v Crescent College Comprehensive
Ardscoil Rís v PBC
Bandon Grammar v Castletroy College
The first round of this season's competition kicks off on the week beginning Monday, January 16, 2017.
Munster Branch President Gerry O’Shea, speaking at the draw, said: “This year is another opportunity for our Senior and Junior Cup school teams to display their wares and pit themselves against the very best schools players in the province. The Senior Cup has been contested for since 1909 and the Junior Cup since 1932. To date, 10 different schools have won the Senior Cup and nine different schools have won the Junior Cup.
“To all our players, young adults, setting out in this year’s campaign, you all know there will only be one winner of each cup, however each of you have set your own individual goals and ambitions. How you measure yourself and strive to meet those ambitions is every bit as important as winning the cup. Your families, coaches, teachers and friends are all supporting you and only ask that you do your best. Sport is preparation for life.”
The new format introduced last year proved a big success and will be continued this season with the one draw corresponding to both Senior and Junior Cup fixtures.
Five double headers will take place that week in the Clayton Hotels Munster Schools Senior and Junior Cups.
The five winners of those 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 23.
The Senior Cup quarter-finals will take place between January 30 and Friday, February 3 with the Junior Cup quarter-finals being played the following week.
The semi-finals in both the Senior and Junior Cup will be played on the week beginning February 27.
The finals of both competitions will be held on St Patrick's Day – Friday, March 17.