Schools are back and rugby started back with them. Ratoath College and Dunshauglin CC are already preparing for the development cups. There is a new format this year with a group stage instead of the previous knock out. 4 teams per group means that schools will have at least three games before qualifying for the cup or shield stage. Dunboyne, Ratoath, Dunshaughlin and Boyne will fight it out in the group stages. The new format will give more rugby and less travelling for each school.

Primary schools rugby for PE classes has also started. St Pauls 3rd class, Ratoath SNS 6th class, St Seachnalls 6th class, Rathbeggan 1st and 2nd classes and Gaelscoil na Rithe 6th class are on the "Give Rugby a Try" programme.

On September 30th Ratoath RFC will host a 6th class tag rugby blitz. Over 300 boys and girls will be participating. Last year was a great success and a good number of the kids enjoyed the experience so much that they joined the club and are now playing regularly.