Family rivalry adds extra spice to huge Belfast derby between Queen's and Instonians

​The two clubs share more than just geographical proximity, as they are the two most successful sides Senior Cup history with 44 wins between them; Queen’s have lifted the trophy on 24 occasions, with Instonians winning 20 times, and have a chance to add another when the winning semi-finalists face Ballynahinch in this year’s final.

Four players – Harry McKibbin, Robin Thompson, David Hewitt and David Irwin – have played for both Belfast clubs and went on to represent the British and Irish Lions.

To add more spice to an already mouth-watering battle, family ties will be put aside for 80 minutes as father and son Clem and Jacob Boyd go head-to-head.

Clem had an illustrious playing career with Bath, Ulster and Bedford while being capped at U21 and A level by Ireland.

Boyd became Director of Rugby at the Shaw’s Bridge club in 2019 and was instrumental in leading Instonians from languishing in junior rugby for eight years to four consecutive promotions, bringing the club to the second tier of All Ireland League rugby.

Jacob – a prop like his father – captained RBAI to a dramatic Schools’ Cup victory in 2023 when he scored the winning try in injury time for a side under the tutelage of Instonians forwards coach Jamie Kirk against Campbell College.

Jacob, like his father, has played for Ulster and has been a mainstay of the Queen’s front row since their promotion to 1B three seasons ago.

However, neither began their rugby careers in the front row.

“I think there was always a fair chance Jacob would be a prop but he did play in the backrow and got the odd game at centre in school,” said Clem. “I played in the back row as well until Harry Sheridan’s dad broke my leg in a game of touch at Civil Service and then I moved to prop.

“Jacob’s done an awful lot in the short time that he's been playing, he's certainly a far better player than I ever was but sure the game is different now. We had a few scrummaging sessions out in the backyard, I still kicked his behind, but I had the weight advantage!”

In his senior role at Inst, Clem won’t be involved in the tactical side on the day.

“Thankfully, I'm not involved in the day-to-day coaching or strategy in terms of set-piece, that's through Jamie Kirk and then the other coaches,” he added. “They'll be looking closely at it and looking for weaknesses in the scrum with Queen's, not just Jacob, but the whole scrum and their line-out set-up and everything, and looking at their strengths, of course.

“Queen’s a very good team it’s an interesting one, but thankfully, I don't have any direct input in that.”

It promises to be a great occasion at the Dub.

“It’s brilliant, Queen’s are the closest club to us, we have had a lot of kids that have gone from RBAI to Queen’s to study and play and there is a bit of a connection going on.

“Guys are coming to Instonians once they've finished their natural time with Queen's, so I think it's a great thing, it's a very positive thing.”

Instonians’ success of four consecutive promotions, two Senior Cup finals and a Bateman Cup decider have been built on solid foundations.

“The shop window that a lot of people see as the first XV results and people would see those in the newspapers, but they wouldn’t see what was going on below that,” said Clem. “We're still working away at that, always looking to improve all the way through and it's all about the people.

“If you get the right people in, and if you get people that want to come in, there’s a whole new world out there that we're dipping into with our community.

“We're getting some really, really good players and their parents, we're trying to get those people into the club and make them feel welcome up at the club; a place where they'll feel comfortable, somewhere they can contribute, somewhere they can get something from – it's more than just the game.”

The banter between father and son has already started.

“I’m not allowed to cook for him in the run up to the game,” joked Clem.

“He's starving me, he's doing everything he can to stop me from performing well, he's asked me a few questions, but it's only a bit of banter.”

Joking aside, Clem has been a huge inspiration on Jacob’s development and career.

“Dad’s been a massive influence, since I was born pretty much I had a rugby ball in my hand,” he said. “As soon as I could run, he had me down at the minis at Instonians to play. From there on, I fell in love with the game, and he's helped me all the way through to where I am now in my career with rugby.

“I played in the back row, that was back when I was skinny, before dad fattened me up, I think I was always going to be a prop in his eyes.”

Jacob is looking forward to crossing paths with his old school coach.

“I know Jamie was great as well when he came to the school, I really enjoyed working with him and him coaching me, I think he's had a great impact as well on my rugby career,” he added.

“I know Instonians have a great set-piece and they're strong, but it's a game of rugby and we'll be well-prepared and we'll see what happens on the day.

“There is an extra buzz about it's been a while since these two Belfast clubs have been in the same league.”

“It will be a good derby and I'm really up for it since Instonians were my club growing up, it'll be fun to play against them.”