local calendar taking centre stage at National Sports Club when Young Renegades play Young Bermuda for the Jones Cup (Monday, 3.00 p.m.).

The traditional New Year's Day fixture was first played in 1983 and brings together some of the best young talent from around the Island, plus those who have returned home from college overseas.

Many of the players, who must be aged 21 or under on the day of the game, have progressed through the mini-rugby programme, with some having started as early as age five.

Renegades, winners of the trophy for the past two years, will again be captained by Michael Kane and will be joined by younger brother, Ronan, who last season won Leinster medals with Blackrock College, Ireland's premier rugby school. Also back is Robin Laing, who represented Scottish Schools.

In addition, a number of last year's winning Renegades will again take to the pitch, including Andrew Butterworth, Ian Mutch, Chris Garland, Magnus Henagulph, Dan Comer and Barty Sommerville.

For Young Bermuda, Jonathan Cassidy is welcomed to the ranks, having been a member of the Ulster Schools squad that visited South Africa last season.

Last year's encounter was a close one captured by Renegades by a slim 12-10 margin and Young Bermuda will be keen to turn the tide and prevent a three-peat. And with John Viney, Nathan Brown, Adam Farrell and Jonathan Lightbourne among their ranks, they stand a good chance of doing just that.

As a curtain raiser, mini rugby will be staged at 2.00 p.m., allowing spectators a glimpse into the sport's future.

Young Renegades will host their final training session tomorrow at National Sports Club, starting at 1.00 p.m.