The Isle of Man will hosts the British Isles’ first rugby since lockdown began this weekend, when a large touring party of junior players from Guernsey visit the island.

Numerous teams at under-18, u16, u15, u14s and u18s girls level are making the trip with Channel Island outfit Guernsey Raiders’ academy.

Fixtures will take place on Sunday from midday at Douglas Rugby Club’s Port-e-Chee pitch, with more than 70 matches expected to be played involving teams for the two islands who both remain Covid-19-free.

Isle of Man rugby development officer Chris Brannigan said: ’It will be the first games in Britain post Covid-19 and will only behind the Russian and Lithuanian leagues for action in Europe.

’If there are any questions or interest in playing off the back the event, then people can email me at [email protected].’

The island’s rugby clubs have been able to train pretty much as normal since social distancing rules were relaxed in mid-June, but this will be the first time fixtures have been played.

Douglas Rugby Club’s senior sides travel to Guernsey next weekend to face their counter-parts from Guernsey Raiders.