The second round of the 2026-27 Manx Shield rugby competition takes place this Saturday, with champions Douglas Celts hosting Ramsey at Port-e-Chee to begin their title defence.

The game was originally meant to take place at Mooragh Park, but has been switched to the capital as the northern pitch is still too firm following the recent droughts.

The Celts won 24-3 at the Mooragh in last year’s Manx Cup and Ramsey will need to up their game a little to close this gap, especially with Southern Nomads off to a flyer last week.

There’ve been few changes to the Ramsey squad over the summer. Young second row Josh Kelly has turned 18 and he made his debut at prop last Saturday when guesting for Western Vikings.

He will likely get the nod to start this week but will find the Celts a stiffer test. Angelus Long also had a trundle for Vikings last week and impressed on and off the ball.

No personnel news has been heard from Port-e-Chee over the summer, but last year’s Celts were something of an embarrassment of riches.

A front row of Rich Bell, Aaron Mason and Ralph Clarke will give a solid platform against most and, with the irrepressible Percy Hampton leading from number eight, the Douglas forwards are a formidable force.

This game should be a little closer than the last, but Ramsey will need to really up the ante to beat the Celts and, as a first game of the season, the gap may be just too large.

DAVE CHRISTIAN

FIXTURE

Saturday, September 12:

Hartford Homes Manx Shield

Ramsey v Douglas Celts @ Port-e-Chee ko 2.15pm

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