Wed Sep 18 01:30:00 UTC 2024: ## Ulster Rugby Seeks £40 Million Funding Boost for Grassroots Development
**Belfast, Northern Ireland:** Ulster Rugby is seeking £40 million (€47 million) in funding from the UK government to revitalize the sport in Northern Ireland. The province has submitted a bid to the Department for Communities outlining their plans to invest the funds across three key pillars: grassroots rugby club facilities, regional hub facilities, and stadium facilities.
The bid comes after the UK government committed to redeveloping Casement Park, albeit with a delay in completion. Ulster Rugby, recognizing the need for investment in the sport, seeks to capitalize on the government’s focus on sporting infrastructure.
“It would be fantastic, wouldn’t it? It would make a massive difference,” said head coach Richie Murphy. “This bid represents a genuine need for rugby in Ulster, and will provide the environment and infrastructure needed to support the continued growth of rugby participation and rugby performance at all levels of the sport, including a flourishing Women & Girls’ game.”
The proposed funding would build on the £16.5 million (€20 million) the province received over a decade ago to redevelop Ravenhill. This new investment would ensure a sustainable future for Ulster Rugby, fostering greater participation and driving performance across the sport.
Meanwhile, Ulster Rugby has secured the services of star player Stuart McCloskey, signing the Ireland international to a two-year contract extension. The news comes after speculation linked McCloskey to French clubs Bayonne and Montpellier.
The £40 million funding request is contingent on the UK government’s final allocation for the Casement Park project, which is estimated to cost around £400 million.
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