Rugby: Douglas to welcome Ballymena for pre-season tie

Island hosts will begin latest league campaign next month

Douglas RUFC will welcome off-Island opposition for a pre-season contest this weekend.

The Manx side will take on Ballymena Rugby Club at Port-e-Chee this Saturday (23 August) with kick-off scheduled for 6.30pm.

It'll be part of Douglas' preparations for their next campaign in Regional 2 North West which is due to get underway with a home clash against division newcomers, North Ribblesdale on Saturday, 6 September.

Ahead of the latest campaign, the Island hosts have undergone a number of squad changes.

Douglas has confirmed the arrival of Matty Wood who represented Liverpool St Helens in 2023/24 along with Josh Campbell - son of former Douglas prop, Ben - who more recently represented Myerscough College in Preston.

Two departures have also been announced with Gihard Visagie moving to the UK and James Ross returning to Australia with the club saying both made 'valuable contributions' last season.

In 2024/25, Douglas achieved a best-ever finish of sixth at their current league level.