At Newbridge College, rugby is not just about competitive success. While we are proud of the trophies and honours our teams have achieved, our programme is built on something much bigger: ensuring there is a place for everyone. Whether you have played rugby for years, or are picking up a ball for the very first time, you will find your place here. Our pillars are simple: socialisation, inclusion, development, and enjoyment.
First Year – The Ellers
In first year, our players are known as the Ellers. This is where the journey begins, and we field four teams. The emphasis is on bringing boys together outside their class groups, introducing them to the values of rugby, and giving every player an opportunity to enjoy the game.
Second Year – The Inters
By second year, our players move into the Inters, where we field three teams. The Inters stage builds on first year foundations, with a stronger emphasis on teamwork, skill development, and preparing boys for competitive rugby at Junior level.
Junior Rugby
At Junior level, we field two teams who compete in both the Leinster Junior League and the Leinster Junior Cup.
- Junior Cup champions (shared, 2020 due to COVID)
- Junior Cup champions (outright, 2021)
- Four-time Junior League winners since 2019
Junior rugby is an exciting step in the pathway, where players begin to challenge themselves against the best schools in Leinster while still ensuring all squad members have a role to play.
Senior Rugby
Senior rugby brings together our Transition Year, Fifth Year, and Sixth Year students. Across these years, we field four teams who compete in the Leinster Senior League and Leinster Senior Cup.
- Senior Cup winners (shared, 2020 due to COVID)
- Senior Cup semi-finalists three years running (2020–2023)
Senior rugby is where our players experience the highest standards of competition, but it is also where friendships, discipline, and school spirit are at their strongest.
Pathways and Success
Newbridge College has become recognised as a school that develops players for the next level. Over the past five years, we have had numerous representatives at provincial and international underage level.
We are especially proud of our past pupils who have gone on to play professional rugby, including those currently with Leinster and Connacht, as well as representing Ireland. This summer, three of our own — Sam Prendergast, Cian Prendergast, and Jimmy O’Brien — pulled on the green jersey for Ireland, a source of great pride for everyone connected to the College.
That tradition is continuing strongly. This year, we have five past pupils in professional academies:
- Todd Lawlor, Ciaran Mangan, Tadhg Brophy, and Lee Fitzpatrick in the Leinster Academy
- Billy Bohan entering his second year in the Connacht Academy
More Than Rugby
From Ellers to Seniors, our rugby programme is built on tradition, inclusion, and ambition. Some players will go on to represent Ireland, many will compete with passion in league and cup campaigns, and all will find a place where they belong.
At Newbridge College, rugby is not just about winning. It’s about being part of a side, enjoying the journey, and carrying the values of teamwork and friendship far beyond the final whistle.