RUGBY will return to Launceston’s Polson Bridge for the first time since March on Boxing Day.

March 7 was the last time a match was staged, with the Cornish All Blacks beating Bracknell 22-0 in a league game.

Now, nine long months on, the Cornishmen plan to stage a match on December 26.

And it sounds like the perfect way to get action underway again, with a Cornish All Blacks XV taking on an Exiles XV, kicking off at 11.30am.

Former All Blacks head coach Jimmy Tucker and Andy Crichton will be putting together the Exiles team, which will contain players who have previously represented the club.

Anyone wishing to take part in the game must be over 18-years-old and is asked to contact the club if interested.

It is hoped this will be the inaugural match in an annual event, with proceeds from the game going to the club’s chosen local charity for that particular year.

A club spokesman said: “So by attending and supporting this event you will not only have a day of merriment to look forward to, you’ll also be contributing to the donation we will make to our chosen local charity!

“The clubhouse bar and kitchen will be serving hot food and cold beers throughout the duration of the event so don’t worry about whetting those whistles, or if you hadn’t quite eaten enough on Christmas Day we have it covered!

“Both our kitchen, recently taken on by Proper Ansome Cafe, and bar will be open under COVID guidelines so please keep an eye out for details on booking tables, menus and more.”

Meanwhile, Bude have cancelled their annual President’s XV game on Boxing Day due to health concerns over COVID-19.

They are hoping to organise an ‘alternative event’ for the spring.