Ards Rugby Club

07/06/2026

AGM TOMORROW EVENING

The 98th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Ards Rugby Football Club will take place TOMORROW, Monday 8th June at 19:30 at Hamilton Park.

The agenda is available from the Honorary Secretary at [email protected].

Please note;

* Persons whose subscriptions are unpaid for the 2025/26 season are not entitled to vote, nominate or be nominated for Office or membership of the Executive Committee at the AGM.
* A Social Member has no voting rights at the AGM and may not hold Office or be a member of the Executive Committee.
* Members should not allow themselves to be nominated for Office or Committee unless they are satisfied they will be able to fulfil the duties which holding Office and Committee membership entail.

We encourage all eligible members to attend and play their part in shaping the future of Ards RFC as we continue to build on another hugely successful season both on and off the field.

onwARDS & upwARDS! 🖤🤍

06/06/2026

A Night to Celebrate Billy Dickson 🖤🤍

Last night, Ards RFC had the privilege of hosting a special dinner in honour of Billy Dickson, recipient of the IRFU Boots Award 2025.

Billy’s association with Ards began in 1960 and, 65 years later, he remains at the heart of our club. As a player, captain, coach, administrator, mentor, volunteer and supporter, Billy has given countless hours of service to Ards Rugby. His contribution spans generations of players and members, and as an active Executive Committee member his influence is still being felt throughout Hamilton Park today.

While the award recognises a lifetime of dedication to rugby, what stood out most on the night was the respect and affection Billy is held in by so many. Family, club members, former players, club officials and friends gathered to celebrate his achievement, with guests travelling from across the rugby community to be part of the occasion.

Such is Billy’s standing within the game that the evening was attended by two British & Irish Lions, a fitting reflection of the esteem in which he is held.

The celebrations were made even more special as the occasion coincided with Billy’s birthday, with two specially commissioned cakes presented to mark both his award and the milestone.

Billy’s rugby journey has seen him represent Ards at the highest levels of club rugby, captain and coach successful sides, serve as President and Honorary Secretary, and continue to volunteer tirelessly for the benefit of others. Yet anyone who knows Billy will tell you that his greatest quality is not what he has achieved, but the way he has always put the club and its people first.

Congratulations once again, Billy. A worthy recipient of the Mr Boots Award, a true clubman, and one of the finest ambassadors Ards RFC could wish for.

65 years. One club. A lifetime of service. 🖤🤍🏉

05/06/2026

🏉☀️ ARDS RFC SUMMER CAMP 2026 – BOOKINGS NOW OPEN! ☀️🏉

Looking for a fun and active way to keep the kids entertained this summer? Join us at Hamilton Park for three days of rugby, games, skills, teamwork and plenty of fun!

📅 Mini Camp (P1–P7)
3rd–5th August

📅 Youth Camp (Y8–Y12)
10th–12th August

🕙 10am–1pm daily
💷 £50 per person
📍 Hamilton Park, Newtownards

Year groups are based on September 2026 school year.

Whether you’re already playing rugby or completely new to the game, everyone is welcome!

👉 Sign up via the Linktree in our bio.

Spaces are limited, so don’t leave it too late!

04/06/2026

🏉 Assistant Coaches Wanted – North Down Women’s Rugby 🏉

As we continue to grow our girls’ and women’s game, North Down Women's Rugby are looking to their coaching team ahead of the new season.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a progressive coaching setup with the full backing of Ards RFC, Bangor RFC and Donaghadee RFC. Working alongside the Head Coach, you’ll help develop our senior women’s squad while supporting a strong pathway for players progressing from youth rugby into the women’s game.

Whether you’re an experienced coach or someone looking to begin their coaching journey, we’d love to hear from you.

📩 For more information, send a message to Ards RFC, Bangor RFC, Donaghadee RFC or the North Down Women’s Rugby social media pages.

Together, we’re building opportunities for female players across all ages and helping to secure a bright future for girls’ and women’s rugby across North Down.

🖤🤍💙🤍

04/06/2026

We’re proud to see our Youth Convenor, Matthew Wallace, recognised by Ulster Rugby as part of their International Volunteers Week.

Since rejoining the club in 2020, Matthew has become a driving force behind youth rugby at Hamilton Park, giving countless hours to coaching, mentoring and developing the next generation of Ards players. His passion, commitment and leadership have helped strengthen our youth section both on and off the pitch.

Volunteers are the heartbeat of every rugby club, and Matthew’s recognition is thoroughly deserved. We’re fortunate to have people like him helping to shape the future of Ards Rugby Club.

Congratulations Matthew, and thank you for everything you do for our club. 🖤🤍

**Tell us a bit about yourself.**I have been involved in rugby for most of my life through playing, refereeing, coaching an

04/06/2026

LADIES SUMMER WALKING GROUP – WEEK 1

Fantastic start to our Summer Ladies Walking Group last night!

Despite the less-than-summery weather, it was brilliant to see such a fantastic turnout for our first walk. The rain certainly didn’t dampen spirits, with plenty of chat, laughter and new connections made along the way.

A huge thank you to everyone who came along and made the first outing such a success. Whether you’re a regular walker or just looking to get out, meet new people and enjoy some fresh air, there’s a place for you in the group.

Keep an eye on our social media channels for details of next week’s meeting location, which will be announced closer to the time.

Here’s to many more walks together this summer!

🖤🤍

04/06/2026

📰 Ards Rugby in this week’s Newtownards Chronicle!

🖤🤍

03/06/2026

⚫️⚪️ EVENT INFORMATION ⚫️⚪️

For those attending our Billy Dickson IRFU Boots Award & Green Jacket Dinner this Friday at Hamilton Park.

🕖 Doors open from 7:00pm
🍽️ Guests are asked to be seated by 7:30pm

We look forward to welcoming Billy, his family, friends, fellow members and guests from clubs across the IRFU for what promises to be a very special evening celebrating a tremendous contribution to rugby and to Ards RFC.

Safe travels and we’ll see you on Friday evening.

onwARDS & upwARDS! 🖤🤍

03/06/2026

The President of Ards Rugby Club, Iain Moles, would like to express his condolences and those of the club members to the family of Billy Wallace, who sadly passed away peacefully on 31st May 2026.

Billy’s association with Ards Rugby Club began more than 70 years ago, with the earliest records of his involvement dating to the 1954/55 season.

He captained the 2nd XV during the 1959/60 season and played his part in the refurbishment of the ‘Oul Hut’ in 1958/59.

A fond memory of Billy around the club is of him mowing the pitches at our former grounds during the 1950s with a borrowed mower towed behind his car.

Billy’s contribution forms part of the rich history of Ards Rugby Club and helped lay the foundations for the club we know today.

A service will take place at Roselawn Crematorium on Monday 8th June 2026 at 10:00am.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Billy’s son Richard, daughter-in-law Una, sister Freda and the entire family circle at this difficult time.

🖤🤍