As usual, the end of the Manx Grand Prix heralds the beginning of the rugby season, but it’s a slightly unusual start to say the least.

Douglas play their opening league match in North One West (see separate preview) and there are two domestic matches albeit in different competitions.

First of all, Emerging Nomads host Western Vikings in the 2018-19 Manx Plate.

Last season ended before all the games could be completed and this is one of the overspill matches.

Vikings have already qualified for the final and Ramsey B sit in pole position for the other spot.

Emerging Nomads, however, have two remaining matches and two wins will put them into October 12’s final.

Vikings were the form team last season, but with neither side getting any game time ahead of this clash, the match could easily go either way.

The second match is the opening game in this season’s Manx Shield.

The competition has been moved back to the beginning of the season again and kicks off with Ramsey B hosting Vagabonds B at Mooragh Park.

Neither side enjoyed spectacular success last campaign so on paper this could be an evenly-matched game.

Both sides, however, will contain players looking to cement first-team spots and this means maximum effort which could make the match interesting.

Fixtures: Saturday, September 7

North One West

Douglas v Warrington

@ Port-e-Chee ko 2.15pm

Manx Plate

Emerging Nomads v Western Vikings

@ King William’s College ko 2.15pm

Manx Shield

Ramsey B v Vagabonds B

@ Mooragh Park ko 2.15pm