06/08/2026
RABA BARBARIANS 🏉🔴⚫️
The Barbarians will travel to R***e Park on Saturday 8th August to take on Banbridge RFC in a special fixture celebrating the Ulster club’s centenary year.
The famous black and white jersey will once again be worn by a squad bringing players from across the Irish game. Former Irish and Ulster stars will this time be joined by 3 City of Armagh players James Morton , Timmy McNiece and Thomas Dougan.
James Morton is a player who needs little introduction. Having captained City of Armagh on 4 separate occasions, James has amassed 145 All Ireland league caps and has played for Dungannon and Ulster Juniors. Now in the twilight of his career, James says ‘there is life in the auld dog left’ and he has been working on his pre season fitness by rounding up cattle on the farm.
Meanwhile, Timmy McNiece, who formally announced his retirement from AIL rugby last season after captaining City of Armagh to promotion to the highest league in Ireland, has 135 AIL caps but certainly could have acquired more except that his all round rugby had little self-preservation to it and he missed a lot of games through injury. He will still be difficult to tackle.
At the other end of the spectrum there is Thomas Dougan. Thomas was captain of the successful Royal School team and after earning representative honours in under age rugby, he made a successful transition to adult rugby and played in almost all 18 All Ireland League games. His star is rising, and he will bring pace to the ‘Babas’ backrow.
A number of activities are planned in a 4 day programme in the Banbridge area, with the match itself kicking off on Saturday 8th August at 3 pm in R***e Park.
It is a great honour for the 3 City of Armagh players to be selected, so if anyone is free you should try and make your way to Banbridge in what should be a memorable occasion. Tickets are available online only and supporters are encouraged to secure their place in advance.
Go well lads! 👏