Clark Logan

“There is always a ball in the boot of our car and anywhere can turn into a pass about – the park or the beach,” says Irish U19s player Clark Logan

“It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog, as a coach once said to me and it’s a phrase I’ve always remembered.

“It has helped me as a player and as captain of my school rugby team during my last year a Coleraine Grammar School. I always try to keep myself and the team going until the final whistle, even when things are tough.

“Being team captain has taught me many lessons about leadership and the psychology of sport and next academic year I hope to start a degree course in sports psychology at Stranmillis University College in Belfast (if I get the grades!)

“Being in Belfast will enable me to continue my Ulster Academy training. I’m thrilled to have been offered and accepted a place on the Academy. I start training in July, and it would be a dream come true to ultimately progress through to the senior team. And of course, it is every young rugby player’s dream goal to be part of a British and Irish Lions Tour – and I’m no exception.”

Clark’s rugby journey began in Primary 3 at Bushvalley PS in Stranocum when he joined the mini-rugby club at Ballymoney RFC. His parents were worried that he was small in stature compared to his fellow players but his coach at the time, Alan Thompson reassured both, and Clark soon developed into a very capable scrumhalf. 

After primary school Clark joined his older brother Rowan at Coleraine Grammar School (previously Coleraine Inst) a school which has a long and proud rugby tradition. 

“We’re quite a sporty family as my dad played field hockey for Ulster and my older brother Rowan played rugby at Coleraine Grammar and he was also a very successful youth cyclist winning many Irish National Road and Track championship medals whilst at school. 

“I’d watched Rowan play mini rugby at primary school and couldn’t wait to get involved myself. 

“The beauty about rugby is that it’s played all over the world and is great at bringing people together regardless of race or religion. It would be a super to get the opportunity to play in the southern hemisphere and experience some of their cultures.”

During Year 12 Clark became a regular with Coleraine Grammar 1st XV and in 2020 was invited to Ulster regional selection sessions and subsequently invited to train with the U17 squad. He quickly moved up to the U18 Clubs squad and secured a spot on the 2021 U18 Clubs Inter-provincial team where he scored a try against Munster. 

Age 17 Clark moved up to the U19 National Talent Squad (NTS) and played in the 2022 Inter-provincials. That lead to an invitation to Irish U18s National Training Squad camps and latterly the Irish U19s. During Easter 2024 he played in two Irish U19s matches against a French U20s side. One match was at Queen’s University Belfast and the other at St Mary’s College RFC in Dublin where Clark was presented with his first Irish U19s cap.

“Being selected for the national talent squad (NTS) Irish U18s in 2022 and being Captain of my school 1st XV rugby team season 2023/24 are my proudest moments in the sport to date. Hopefully I’ll go on to achieve many more.”

Since Easter, Clark has also played in an Ulster Development game against a US team and in a match versus the Irish U20s before they headed off to the World Championships. All an amazing experience. 

When asked what he loves about rugby Clark highlights the mixture of physical and mental ability where it’s not always the bigger teams that win. 

“The best thing about rugby is the team spirit amongst players and the fact that the game features a wide range of body types. There is always a ball in the boot of our car and anywhere can turn into a pass about – the park or the beach. 

“Back in Primary 3 I couldn’t have known that my best friend and I would be playing on the same teams throughout school and during summer 2023 we both played in the U19 Ulster team. That’s a 12-year sporting partnership!

Clark’s family are a constant support and his parents have attended nearly every game from mini rugby to present day matches, including all Ulster games either at home in Belfast or as far away as Dublin, Cork and Galway. 

“My grandparents, aunts and uncles also come and watch when they can and follow all the results.  It’s great to have all my family there supporting me and my teammates.”

Clark also pays tribute to the Mary Peters Trust saying, “I am so grateful for the financial support the Trust has given me.  I regularly need to travel quite a distance to training and a funding grant has been a great help. Thank you, Mary Peters Trust!”