The game of rugby has been an integral part of Methody life since almost the very foundation of the College in 1868; of the many sports played, it is rugby football that has the longest recorded history. In Northern Ireland, the interest in schools' rugby has long been focused on the competition for the Schools' Cup, which has the distinction of being the world's second oldest rugby competition, having been competed for since 1876.

Records show that Methody's earliest win in the Schools' Cup was when the College defeated Dungannon R.S. 8 - nil in the 1878 final, the third year that the competition was played. Since 1876, MCB has made it to the final 56 times, winning outright 30 times, and drawing twice.

2005/2006 team with Ulster Schools' Cup

"Rugby is the greatest game in the world and there is no better place to learn it than Methodist College" D. Wells

After the Schools' Cup, the Medallion Shield is perhaps the second most prestigious title in Ulster School-Boy Rugby. Here also the College has an impressive record.

The new Medallion Shield alongside the original, which can be seen in the College Heritage Centre

After winning the title in 1910, the founding year of the competition, Methodist College has gone on to win the title a total of 31 times, with 3 draws.

Members of the victorious Medallion Shield-winning squad at Ravenhill, 2006