Rugby: IoM announces first national sides in over two decades

Two squads to face Warrington RUFC next week

For the first time in more than two decades, the Isle of Man will field national rugby squads for two fixtures taking place next week.

It's been confirmed that two Manx sides - which will be named 'Isle of Man' and 'Ellan Vannin' - will take on teams from Warrington RUFC in a double-header of off-Island fixtures on Saturday, 16 May.

Captaining the Isle of Man and Ellan Vannin teams will be Liam Kirkpatrick and Josh Corteen respectively with 19 players selected for each squad in total.

Their opponents, Warrington RUFC were crowned Lancashire Trophy champions for a second year running early this month in a campaign which also saw them promoted into Regional 2 North West for next season.

As a result, that'll see them come up against Manx opposition, with the Island's highest-ranked club side, Douglas RUFC also contesting that division.

Both fixtures for the Island teams against Warrington will take place at Grappenhall Village Sports Club on Saturday, 16 May - Ellan Vannin will face Warrington RUFC 2nd XV at 1pm before Isle of Man faces Warrington RUFC 1st XV at 3pm.

You can see the full squads for both Manx teams below:

Isle of Man national teams vs Warrington RUFC (Saturday, 16 May 2026)

Isle of Man

Forwards

Simon Hoddinot
Josh Campbell
Owen Carvin
Connor Garland
Blake Everson
Matthew Meechan
Richard Seed
Harry Cartwright
Liam Kirkpatrick (C)
Daniel Bonwick
Mark Oldfield

Backs

Nathan Robson
Josh Duncan
Matthew Wood
Harry Hewson (VC)
Oliver Corkish
Sheldon Higgins
Kyle Martin
Craig Martin

Ellan Vannin

Forwards

Ralph Clarke
Matthew Rockwell
Reece de Oliveira
Aaron Mason
Josh Corteen (C)
Lleandro Marques
Alfie Howard
Christian Theron
Percy Hampton
Ewan Chapman

Backs

George Callister
Jonty Shimmin
Shay Waterworth
Callum Dentith
Jake Richmond
Kieran Kneale
Tony Quinn
Cameron Findlay
Wilf Kermode