This year’s event displayed a strong commitment to the ever-growing girl’s game by the girl’s format mirroring that of the boy’s system, previously, 45 players would be nominated (three in each position) by a way of blitz/game. The 45 boys would then compete by way of online voting, allowing the public to vote for their 2023 BearingPoint Future Stars Teams. After the votes have been counted, 50% of votes contribute to the overall score and a judgement committee make up the other 50% which leads to the overall selected squads. 15 Boys & 15 Girls were selected as their respective teams at the final stage of the event.

The event consisted of a blitz which conjured up a fantastic buzz creating a friendly but competitive climate for these young athletes to express themselves in a variety of modes. Players then progressed to the next stage, attending the nominee’s night which consisted of four activities. First up was a talk with current Sport Scholars around their first-hand experience of DkIT & the support structures in place. Continuing from this talk nominees engaged with Sports & Societies Officer Bronagh McGrane who chatted around available courses at DkIT. Next on the agenda was four 30-minute rotations in DkIT Sport, which consisted of a range of physical activities which included speed testing with speed gates carried out by other Rugby scholarship students, there was also a skill session in the state-of-the-art indoor training facilities, which was followed by Strength & Conditioning sessions with our in-house strength and conditioning coach in DkIT Sport HPU (High Performance Unit). 

Tiernan Gonnelly Rugby Development Officer in Dundalk Institute of Technology said

“Over the duration of the event we have had some exceptional talent on display on the various different activities throughout this year’s BearingPoint Future stars, the future looks bright for Leinster Rugby! A huge Thank you to The DkIT Sports & Societies Team for helping to get this event to the stage it is currently at, this goes to Bronagh McGrane our Sports & Societies Officer, Turlach Cotter our Sports & Societies administrator for all the fantastic organising which makes the event the one it is today and finally Derek Crilly for the endless support and keen eye for ensuring the event is the best it can be”.

The 2023 Boys Future Stars: Oisin Mc Namara Ardgillan, Lawrence Jones Scoil Uí Mhuirí, Johnny Jones Scoil Uí Mhuirí, James Raviolos Ardgillan C, Fionn Duffy Dundalk Grammar School,  Marco Jordan Marist Dundalk, Ronan McDonnell Dundalk Grammar School, Eoghan Staunton De La Salle Dundalk, Tadgh Martin St Josephs Drogheda, Conor Colemon Ardgillan C, Jack Carely St Josephs Drogheda, Conal O’Callagahn Dundalk Grammar School, Luke Carley St Marys Drogheda, Aidan Clarke Claiste na hinse, Leo McRuairi CBS Dundalk.

The 2023 Girls Future Stars: Jessy Arogundade Ardgillan C, Lily Byrne Skerries CS, Chloe Brady Loreto Navan, Sarah Guian Louis Dundalk, Alma Atagam Ardgillan C, Rosie Searle Loreto Navan, Ava Govern Ballymakenny, Caoimbhe Stewart Ardee CS, Jade Gaffney Mercy Navan, Shannon Campbell Ardgillan C, Sadhbh Cassidy Loreto Navan, Cara Martin Mercy Navan, Rachel Fanning Drogheda Grammar, Faith Omatayo   Ardgillan C, Emma Brogan Loreto Navan.