As well as helping to raise the profile of Include Youth, the partnership has also succeeded in providing young people with work experience, career advice and interview skills training at Kingspan Stadium.

Following a series of joint initiatives in year two of the partnership, including a Family Fun Day, Corporate Golf Day, Awards Dinner Ballot and in-stadium collections, Ulster Rugby was able to make a donation of £18,500 to the local youth charity.

Another highlight from the 2017/18 season was the Christmas Present Appeal, whereby staff, players and supporters generously donated Christmas presents to young people living in care.

Director of Include Youth, Paddy Mooney, said: “The second year of our partnership was arguably even more successful than the first, and so we are extremely excited to be continuing for another season.

“Initiatives such as the Family Fun Day and ‘Christmas Present Appeal’ highlight how special Ulster Rugby and its supporters are and we really appreciate all the support that we’ve received to date.

“This season will be even more special as Include Youth will celebrate its 40th birthday in 2019.”

IRFU (Ulster Branch) President, Stephen Elliott, added: “Our players, staff and supporters have done a great job in supporting the fantastic work of Include Youth over the past 12 months and I’m looking forward to another hugely successful season.”