WALES
MEN’S amateur Rugby League in Wales launches this Saturday (4 June) with a six-team competition in south Wales that will climax in a Grand Final on Sunday 21 August, and a four-team league in the north, sponsored by Clecs Media (who are providing playing kits for each club).
The North League’s Grand Final will be staged at Parc Eirias, Colwyn Bay, on Saturday 23 July. The two regional titleholders will then face off to determine the overall Welsh champions.
New North Wales outfit Bangor Buffalos will host Marchogion Môn Knights in a curtain-raiser (2pm) to this Saturday’s Betfred League One fixture between North Wales Crusaders and Keighley Cougars. The other game involves Conwy Celts and Flintshire Falcons in a repeat of last season’s Grand Final.
Reigning South Wales champions Bridgend Blue Bulls will be joined by Aber Valley Wolves, Aberavon Fighting Irish, Black Dragons (of Banwen, in Neath Port Talbot County), Cardiff Blue Dragons and Rhondda Outlaws.
Aberavon Fighting Irish are fielding their first open age side since 2006 and are back on the scene having relaunched their junior set-up last year. Aber Valley Wolves, similarly, last competed in the men’s league in 2016 but are building on a thriving junior section which has over 200 players registered.