NZ tour approaches and Queen's organises dinner for its rugby greats

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The event will celebrate the University's links with Irish and Lions stars

Queen's University will host a dinner in April to celebrate the 20 players who have both represented the University club and the Lions.

It comes just a couple of months before this summer's Lions tour to New Zealand, with three tests starting on June 24th.

The Queen's University Rugby Football Club is the oldest continuous rugby club in the province.

It began its life in 1869 as Queen's College, and is the second oldest club in Ireland.

The University club has won the Ulster senior Cup 23 times, a record.

Queen's has historically had strong links with the Lions- from Andrew Foster and William Tyrell on the 1910 tour to South Africa to the club’s latest Lion Tommy Bowe a double tourist in 2009 and 2013.

Attending yesterday's launch were Trevor Ringland, David Irwin and Nigel Carr.

 

Former centre Irwin says the University has had a strong connection with international players.

He says success bred success at Queen's.

The dinner will take place in the Whitla Hall on the evening of the 21st April, with a Q & A session involving Lions from a range of generations- ‘what happens on tour won’t be staying on tour'.

A Hall of Fame will be introduced on the night named in honour of Robbie (Robin) Moore who passed away last November.

He gave more than three decades of service to the club, holding every post from sandwich maker to President. 

Some of the club’s and Lions legends will be inducted into the hall of fame and receive a special presentation.

There will also be an auction and ballot with some unique sport memorabilia and other top prizes.

Warren Gatland's side will take on the All Blacks in Auckland, for the first and third test, with Wellington staging the second.

There will be six matches against top quality opposition from around New Zealand before the first test, and seven overall.

The 2013 tour to Australia resulted in a 2-1 win for the British and Irish Lions.

 

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