Ulster gym initiative spreading across the province

Shaw's Bridge Association, which is home to both Cooke RFC and Instonians RFC, is the latest venue to benefit from a facility upgrade after similar projects at 15 locations including Malone RFC, Rainey RFC, and Greater Village Regeneration Trust.

The gym at Shaw's Bridge was officially opened by Ulster players Nick Williams, Franco van der Merwe and Ian Humphreys, along with Cooke president Ken Gibson and Instonians president Michael Hunter.

The facility will be used by players from both clubs but will also act as a community hub, also available for use by schools and community groups.

Commenting at the official opening, Ulster Rugby Fitness Development Coach, Robbie Bremner, said: "We're delighted to be able to contribute to this fantastic project.

"It will provide two of our most prominent rugby clubs with a top-class gym, adding to the already superb facilities available at Shaw's Bridge.

"One of our key organisational goals is to improve health and wellbeing among all age groups and I believe the installation of gym equipment at sites such as this is a great way to achieve that.

"Our community gym initiative will see the refurbishment of 15 gyms in total across the province and is a key aspect of our plans to increase opportunities for people to engage with fitness and rugby sessions.

"I'd like to thank the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure for their continued support in helping us expand rugby in both traditional and non-traditional areas."

The community gym initiative is one of many schemes funded through DCAL's 'Promoting Equality, Tackling Poverty and Social Exclusion through Sport' programme.

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