Irish schools off to Gloucester

SIXTEEN Irish schools will take part in a rugby tournament in Gloucester that the organisers hope will become a truly international event.

Topflight – a wholly-owned Irish tour operator – last night launched the inaugural Rugby Schools Nations Tournament at the River Lee Hotel, Cork (formerly Jury’s), a competition to be run in conjunction with Gloucester RFC, who were in Cork for tonight’s pre-season friendly clash with Munster.

The event will be staged between October 27 and 30 in Hartpury College, Gloucester and the Irish schools will join 15 teams from England, Scotland and Wales, and one Italian team.