After what seems like an eternity, domestic rugby returns this weekend with the start of the Ravenscroft Manx Trophy and Bowl competitions.

The international investment specialists signed up as sponsor during the summer months and their association with domestic rugby is appreciated by all involved.

The competitions have had some tweaks since last season. The Trophy will see the four top local sides play each other on a round robin league basis, which will be followed by semi-finals and a final with the semi pairings determined by the final league placings.

The Bowl will be fought out between the five other sides and will be a traditional first past the post league. The final matches in both competitions will hopefully be on December 11, subject of course to the vagaries of Manx weather.

Find out this weekend’s fixtures in the Manx Independent, on sale.

Head to http://www.iomtoday.co.im/subscribe.cfm to pick up your copy now.