Despite Poland's tough start to the Rugby Europe Championship, Sligo Rugby's Jakub "Kuba" Wojtkowicz has earned him recognition as one of the standout players in the early rounds of the championship.

Sligo Rugbys Jakub "Kuba" Wojtkowicz playing for Poland

Rugby Europe noted his exceptional play in the scrum, where at loosehead he has forced three penalties against opponents, showing his scrummaging prowess.

In open play, Kuba has also made a significant defensive impact, completing 24 tackles, ranking him third among all props in the tournament.

As Poland continue in the tournament, Kuba's role remains crucial, and all of us at Sligo Rugby extend our best wishes for his success against the Netherlands in the Ranking Semi-Final.

Sligo Rugby Club are thrilled to unveil a groundbreaking collaboration with High School Old Boys from Christchurch, New Zealand, founded in 1901. HSOB boasts a storied history and a strong legacy in rugby. Over the years, they have produced several notable players who have left a lasting impact on the sport. Among their past famous players are legends such as Dan Carter, Andrew Mehrtens, Justin Marshall, Rueben Thorne, Aaron Maguer to name but a few - all of whom have achieved global recognition for their contributions to rugby.

Sligo boasts a rich history intertwined with the High School Old Boys, affectionately known as "The Polar Bears." Notably, Billy Leahy and Jason East have graced the Christchurch team's ranks, while in reciprocity, Paddy Pearson, Jamie Livingstone, and Calum Goddard have all donned the Sligo jersey. Presently, Paddy a former player and captain serves as our Head Coach, while Calum Goddard recently achieved a milestone, becoming only the fourth player in our history to reach 100 AIL appearances. We are very proud of what Paddy and Calum continue to achieve for our club.

This partnership aims to bolster player and coach development and propel the growth of both esteemed rugby clubs by the following methods:

  1. Player and Coaching Exchanges: Experience cross-cultural immersion, skill refinement, and knowledge transfer through short-term exchanges focused on specific skill areas and cultural appreciation.
  2. Resource Sharing: Benefit from coaching workshops, access to training resources, and performance analysis insights to elevate player development and performance evaluation.
  3. Shared Virtual Clinics for Coaches: Engage in regular webinars, interactive Q&A sessions, and remote mentorship to continuously enhance coaching expertise.

"This partnership is now live, and our first player has arrived on New Zealand soil. Pictured above on the left is Conor Creaven, a former cup-winning captain of Sligo Grammar School, who made his senior debut for Sligo Rugby Club this season. Alongside him is our senior team manager, Ross O’Boyle who helped put this high-performance partnership together, alongside former Sligo Rugby Captain and Kiwi native, Jamie Livingstone and our head coach Paddy Pearson.

This presents a fantastic opportunity for Conor, a highly promising young player who has previously represented Connacht at underage levels. Undoubtedly, he will return to Sligo as a more accomplished player, enriched with invaluable life experiences.

On the right is Luke Timms, HSOB Prop, alongside Patrick Pearson, our Head Coach, who coincidentally was on holiday during the launch of this initiative! Also present was Joff Maor, Head Coach of HSOB, welcoming Conor Creaven just in time for preseason."

Luke Timms will be going in the opposite direction and heading to Strandhill for the 24/25 Season.

Sligo RFC 23
Dolphin RFC 0

Round 13 of the 2023/24 Energia All Ireland League Division 2B saw Porter Ford sponsored Sligo RFC welcome Cork City based Dolphin RFC to Hamilton Park on Saturday.

Sligo were looking to continue their recent run of form, by making it three wins in a row and galvanizing their challenge for fourth position in the league to secure a spot in the promotion play offs.

With the visitors providing a strong challenge, particularly in the all-important front row positions where they held a significant size advantage, Sligo had to use all their rugby smarts to overcome the opposition and to their credit ran out comfortable winners in the end.

In Horse Racing terms the track would be described as ‘Yielding’ as the teams lined up for the kick off.

Dolphin kicked off playing towards the mountain end and immediately looked to bring their massive ball carriers into play and the Sligo defence had to withstand a sustained onslaught for the opening quarter.

Sligo eventually lifted the siege and began to impose their more expansive game on the visitors. A Julian Leszczynski penalty from the 10-metre line opened the scoring after 30 mins but the scorekeeper remained untroubled for the remainder of the half.

Following the resumption Sligo lifted the tempo and struck a telling blow with only 3 minutes of the half gone. Euan Brown collected an attempted clearance outside the visitors 22 and countered back into the 22. James O’Hehir carried hard into the defence ably supported by Tom Gormley and Archie Maclean. From the ruck Brendan Cunningham moved the ball left to Leszczynski. The outhalf fed Ryan Feehily who put in a delicate chip to the edge in front of the onrushing Philip Carter. Carter brilliantly held off the challenge of the defender and managed to flick the ball back inside to the supporting Ethan Faitua who crashed over for the try.

Sligo continued to press and moved the score to 11-0 with a second Leszczynski penalty on 50 mins.

The visitors were now struggling with the Sligo tempo and some fine expansive play brought Sligo from their 22 to inside the Dolphin 10 metre line. Cunningham switched play back to the right and a perfectly timed run from Hooker Ben Hynes split the defence outside the 22. Hynes kept going and pinballed his way through two defenders before touching down at the left post. Leszczynski added the extras and Sligo were 18 points clear.

Sligo’s third try came with 13 minutes remaining. From a 5-metre scrum on the left-hand side. Ambrose Bamber fed Cunningham who moved the ball infield. Feehily and Leszczynski combined cleverly to give Brown space to time his pass to allow Finn Bamber to race in at the right corner to seal the win for Sligo.

The Yeats men went hunting for the bonus point score but to the credit of the visitors they refused to buckle and played to the final whistle denying Sligo the fourth try.

Sligo now sit comfortably in the playoff position with a nine point gap beneath them to their nearest rivals Rainey RFC. Coaches Paddy Pearson and Jarlath Naughton will be delighted with the form their team are showing and in particular with players such as Brian West who is playing his best rugby ever and Captain Matthew Earley who has more than filled the gap at Prop forward in the absence of Kuba Wojtkowicz who is away on international duty with the Polish national squad. Gary Duffy also made a welcome return to the squad following a spell on the sidelines with a foot injury.

Next for Sligo is a trip across the country to lock horns with Malahide RFC . The match kicks off at Estuary Road at 2:30 next Saturday.

Sligo; Euan Brown, Finn Bamber, Ethan Faitaua, Ryan Feehily, Philip Carter, Julian Leszczynski , Brendan Cunningham, Matthew Earley, Ben Hynes, Tom Gormley, Archie Maclean, Gary Duffy, Brian West, James O’Hehir, Ambrose Bamber. Reps, Eoghan Lang, Aidan Healy, Ciaran Cummins, Daire Byrne, Cathal Finneran.

Sligo County Council recently announced the launch of an exciting new initiative - the Co. Sligo Rugby Development Programme. This groundbreaking collaboration between the Council and Connacht Rugby aims to grow and develop rugby across the county and provide pathways for young talent.

The launch event on 29th January at Sligo County Hall welcomed the new Co. Sligo Rugby Development Officer, Ross Mannion, who will play a key role in advancing the sport across the county. Ross brings a wealth of expertise and passion that will inspire and nurture our youth. His efforts to build partnerships and promote rugby at all levels will ensure every young athlete in Sligo has the opportunity to thrive in the sport.

The programme underscores Sligo's commitment to developing rugby and harnessing its many benefits - from fitness and skills to camaraderie and a sense of belonging. Huge credit is due to our existing coaches, volunteers and players who have laid the foundations.

In his role as Rugby Development Officer, Ross will play a pivotal role in nurturing and advancing the sport within our county. This position holds tremendous responsibility as it serves as a catalyst for developing talent, fostering teamwork, and instilling the core values of rugby in the hearts of our young athletes.

In attendance at the launch event were Joe Gorham, Head of Rugby Development with Connacht Rugby, Rory Raftery, President of Sligo Rugby, Tom Nielsen, Chairperson of Sligo Rugby, Lyndon Jones, Rugby Participation Manager with Connacht Rugby, Councillor Michael Clarke, Councillor Thomas Walsh, Chief Executive Martin Lydon, Director of Services Dorothy Clarke and Emer Concannon, Deirdre Lavin, Sligo Sports and Recreation and Ross Mannion, newly appointed Co. Sligo Rugby Development Officer.

Join us in the club Six Nations Fantasy League!

Hoping this league will add an extra bit of excitement throughout the
competition.

An entry fee of €10 per team is required. The money will go into a pot with funds split between prizes, bus costs and U16 Boys Tour to London. Once final numbers are in prizes will be confirmed.

  1. Payment Link (payment must be made before Round 2 – Sat Feb 10 th )
  2. Join the league here

League Name : Sligo Rugby 2024
League No. 111246
Password: LEQSX

Thanks for taking part and Best of Luck!

Join us as we sit down with Sligo Rugby legend Cal Goddard to chat about his amazing achievement of 100 AIL caps for the club. Cal reflects on his journey from Christchurch to the west of Ireland, his standout memories playing for Sligo, and his hopes for the upcoming Malahide game and the rest of the season!

 

Sligo travelled to Belfast to take on Instonians on Saturday, with both teams in a competitive position in the All Ireland League Division 2B. Coming into the game Sligo were in 4th place, equal on league points with 2nd-place Corinthians and 3rd-place Wanderers, with Instonians top of the league, unbeaten so far.

The game started with Instonians taking the initiative, scoring two converted tries to establish a 14-0 lead. Sligo showed some mettle when scrum-half Brendan Cunningham scored a try, followed by Euan Brown's conversion, making it 14-7.

Sligo Debutant Juli Leszczynski at Instonians

However, Instonians were quick to respond with another try to widen the gap once again. Cunningham wasn't finished though, darting in for another try and with Brown's conversion, Sligo closed the gap to trail by only a score 21-14.

Instonians kept up the pressure, executing a strategic cross-field kick that resulted in another try. Sligo's Martino Quiroga hit back with another try to leave them trailing, but as the match progressed, the home side secured a bonus-point try and continued building a score to run out 52-19 winners.

Sligo showed moments of skill and resilience, but Instonians were the better side on the day, taking their chances well and maintaining control throughout the game. They continue their unbeaten run. Sligo is set to take the positives from this game into their upcoming AIL 2B fixtures. Next up is the visit of Malahide RFC to Strandhill on Saturday 11th Nov at 2:30pm.

Sligo Rugby U-13 youth team played their first match of season on Saturday, away to a strong Corinthians squad in Galway. This was the first 15 a-side match for team as they enter the youth structure.

The boys played two different Corinthians teams, one in each half and put in a hard days work. They were a credit to their club on the road and polished off their trip to Galway with a well earned visit to Supermacs. #One Proud Club!

KINGS OF CONNACHT

Sligo Rugby 49 - 17 Buccaneers RFC

For only the second time in the long history of club, Sligo Rugby are Connacht Senior League Champions, following a perfect 4 bonus point wins league campaign which was completed with an excellently crafted victory over Buccaneers at Hamilton Park on Saturday.

Sligo Senior Men's XV captain, Matthew Earley, lifted the trophy to the delight of a large supporting crowd on a day that will live long in the memories of all that attended.

Connacht Senior League Champions 2023-24

Sligo captain Matthew Earley lifts the trophy to the delight of a large supporting crowd. Photo: Breifne Earley, FinalWhistle.ie

Game Highlights

Hamilton Park was in excellent condition as the teams took to the field. Sligo kicked off playing towards the airport end playing into the slight breeze. The opening exchanges belonged to the hosts with the maul attack looking particularly powerful. The early pressure paid off when Euan Brown opened his team's account with a well-struck penalty with 10 minutes on the clock.

The visitors responded with a Michael Hanley penalty but Sligo regained the lead with the opening try following an excellent run from athletic second row Garry Duffy.

Captain Earley stretched Sligo’s lead with a try on 35 mins following some more excellent maul work and Brown's conversion moved the score to 15-3. Buccaneers responded and a Frankie Hopkins break yielded a try which Hanley converted, but pressure on the restart earned a penalty for the locals. Brown slotted the kick to give Sligo an 8-point half-time lead.

Second Half

Following the resumption, Sligo upped the ante and began to move the big opposition pack around the park. Archie Maclean was superbly marshalling the lineout and the back row trio of James O’Hehir, Brian West, and Ambrose Bamber were getting the edge at the breakdown.

Brendan Cunningham continued his recent super form at scrum half and Sligo wingers Darragh Feehily and Louis McVitty were razor sharp in attack and solid in defence.

5 minutes into the half, the Yeats county men struck again. A pre-planned move from a penalty 5 metres out saw Tom Gormley and Kuba Wojtkowicz combine for Sligo’s third try.

Final Moments

With 10 minutes remaining, Sligo put the game beyond doubt with a try from Full back Philip Carter before Ethan Faitaua dotted down with the last move of an excellent Sligo performance. Brown closed the account with a successful final kick.

Connacht branch President Michael O’Hehir performed the presentation duties and the roar from the Sligo faithful when Earley raised the trophy could probably have been heard at the top of Knocknarea.

Sligo now face AIL winners Terenure College RFC

As Connacht Senior League winners, Sligo will now be the Connacht representatives in the prestigious Bateman Cup. Sligo will host Terenure College RFC, winners of division 1A of the All Ireland League and current holders of the Bateman cup.

The highly anticipated encounter takes place on Saturday, September 30, at Hamilton Park and promises to be a great occasion at Strandhill.

Another bonus for Sligo’s league win is a guaranteed place straight into the final of the Connacht Senior Cup which will take place later in the season.

Team Lineup

Sligo: Philip Carter, Darragh Feehily, Ethan Faitaua, Finn Bamber, Louis McVitty, Euan Brown, Brendan Cunningham, Kuba Wojtkowicz, Matthew Earley (Capt), Tom Gormely, Archie Maclean, Garry Duffy, Brian West, James O’Hehir, Ambrose Bamber.

Reps: Ben Hynes, Eoghan Lang, Ciaran Cummins, Michael McMorrow, Rob Tiernan, Ben Donald, Jacob Fleming, Conor Creaven.

Sligo Senior Mens' XV showcased an impressive performance in their second outing of the 2023/24 season, clashing against Galwegians RFC in the Connacht Senior League. The match concluded with a resounding 41-12 victory, as Sligo outscored their opponents with a remarkable tally of 7 tries to 2.

The game unfolded at Crowley Park in Galway, where the morning mist had lifted, offering ideal conditions for an exhilarating display of running rugby. With both teams taking the field, the absence of strong breezes set the stage for a compelling showdown.

The breakthrough moment arrived just ten minutes into the match. Initiating from a lineout on Galwegians' 10-meter line, Matthew Earley's accurate throw reached Archie Maclean. A swift set maul progressed towards the 22-meter mark, with Brendan Cunningham breaking down the blindside. He then linked back to Daire Byrne, who sprinted across the right flank to secure the first try. Euan Brown's successful conversion set Sligo on the scoreboard.

Galwegians attempted to regain momentum, aiming for a penalty kick from inside Sligo's half after 18 minutes, but the attempt veered wide. Brown collected the kick, executing a powerful clearance that granted Sligo territorial advantage within the 'Wegians' 22.

Capitalizing on their pressure, Sligo extended their lead. In the 24th minute, the dominant Sligo eight turned over a 'Wegians' 5-meter defensive scrum. A quick shift infield allowed Philip Carter to evade two tacklers and touch down near the left post. Brown's accurate conversion added to Sligo's growing advantage.

With the restart, Sligo resumed their offensive strategy. A well-executed box kick from Cunningham followed a secured drop-off. Louis McVitty capitalized on a loose ball, embarking on a dynamic run that brought him into midfield. Telling carries from Cunningham and James O’Hehir paved the way for a play to the left, culminating in McVitty's corner finish.

The bonus point was secured before halftime, as Ambrose Bamber's expert control at the base of a 5-meter scrum set the stage for Cunningham's try, marking Sligo's fourth. The halftime score stood at 24-0 in favor of Sligo.

Early in the second half, Sligo's momentum persisted. A long clearance into Sligo's 22 was deftly handled by Carter, who managed to link up with McVitty. The winger's sprint upfield and well-timed pass to Finn Bamber resulted in Sligo's fifth try, solidifying their lead.

Galwegians managed to get on the scoreboard, intercepting a speculative Sligo pass and allowing winger Josh Munn to dash in from the 10-meter line, making the score 5-29.

Undeterred, Sligo continued to dominate. On the hour mark, try number 6 materialized. A precise throw from Ben Hynes found Bamber in a lineout, and a resulting maul allowed Byrne to break away and score from 15 meters out.

Sligo concluded their impressive display with a final try from debutant Ethan Faitaua in the 70th minute. Despite a late score from Galwegians' Michael Duffy, the victory belonged to the Yeats County men.

Looking ahead, Sligo's next challenge awaits as they travel to Galway once again to face Corinthians RFC in the third round of the Connacht Senior League. The anticipated match is scheduled for Thursday evening (07 Sep) at 8:00pm in Cloonacauneen.

Sligo Lineup: Darragh Feehily, Louis McVitty, Philip Carter, Finn Bamber, Jacob Fleming, Euan Brown, Brendan Cunningham, Kuba Wojtkowicz, Matthew Earley (Captain), Tom Gormley, Archie Maclean, Michael McMorrow, James O’Hehir, Daire Byrne, Ambrose Bamber. Replacements: Ben Hynes, Eoghan Lang, Ciaran Cummins, Brian West, Ethan Faitaua, Sean Gilvarry

© 2023 Sligo Rugby | Developed by Michelle Baxter Media
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