Academy pupils get Six Nations treat

MORE than 400 young rugby players and fans from Ballymena Academy had a special sneak preview of the prestigious RBS 6 Nations Trophy and Triple Crown courtesy of Ulster Bank, part of the Royal Bank of Scotland Group (RBS) who sponsor the RBS 6 Nations Championship.

Guests of honour were Ireland’s most capped player and Leinster team member, Malcolm O’Kelly, former British & Irish Lions and Ireland player and Ballymena Academy ‘Old Boy’ Syd Millar together with Ulster Rugby star and former Ireland out-half David Humphreys, also an ex-pupil of Ballymena Academy.

The trio of rugby greats addressed pupils in the school’s Assembly Hall as part of an informal talk and ‘question and answer’ session looking forward to Ireland’s campaign in the RBS 6 Nations Championship.

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Principal of Ballymena Academy, Ronnie Hassard summed up the reaction of pupils in the audience saying: “Ballymena Academy is proud of its high calibre rugby tradition and we’re especially proud to welcome back two of our former pupils who went on to enjoy tremendous accolades in the world of rugby.

This has certainly been a memorable day for Ballymena Academy and its pupils.

“David Humphreys, Syd Millar and Malcolm O’Kelly are true sporting icons and it’s been a privilege to welcome them to our school and hear about their achievements both on and off the field.

“It was also a unique experience for students to see at first hand both the Triple Crown and the RBS 6 Nations Trophy and we’re all looking forward to watching Ireland’s rugby campaign over the next six weeks.”