The new domestic rugby season is set to make a welcome return this weekend.

The Bermuda Rugby Football Union has announced the upcoming campaign will include a full league schedule for both men and women as well as a dedicated programme for children aged 6 to 16.

League action gets under way at Southampton Rangers Sports Club with three matches starting with Teachers women taking on Mariners (11.30am), followed by the club’s men’s teams going head to head (12.30pm), before concluding with the game between Mariners women and Renegades (2.05pm).

“We’ve tried a different approach this year in crafting the domestic league fixtures, after listening to the local clubs’ feedback on player participation,” said Conor McGlynn, the BRFU fixtures secretary.

“Rugby on island is still in a period of recovery and while we have flourishing talent in our women’s touch teams, youth groups and under-19 pools, we recognise that there is a lot of work to be done in supporting the clubs as they work to rebuild their player numbers following the pandemic.

“This year’s season will be longer than last season, but with a couple of key differences.

“The first is in the frequency of game play.

“Instead of two men’s games per week, we will have one fixture, which allows clubs to work together in providing additional player support through sharing players to create a deeper bench.

“The second difference is in the development of a set of community guidelines, which includes a commitment from each of the clubs to adjust player numbers and game time to suit available participation on a week-to-week basis.

“League points awarded will be the same as a normal 80-minute game, regardless of number of players or duration of the match.

“It will be four points for a win, with four-try and losing bonus points applicable.

“At its heart, this agreed approach and togetherness strives to foster a spirit of deeper community within the game.”

On the youth side, the Sunday Rugby programme also commences tomorrow at Police Field between 9.30am and 11am, before returning to the National Sports Centre next month at its usual later time of between 10.30am and noon.

Led by a group of passionate volunteer coaches and players within the rugby community, the programme welcomes children of all ages, with no experience required, to pick up a ball and learn the basics of the game.

“Rugby is a fun and inclusive social sport and is open to children of all ages to come and try,” said Jeff Sangster, youth programme co-chair.

“We guarantee fun and enjoyment from these sessions.

“The Rugby World Cup that is taking place is undoubtedly an inspiring showcase for young people as they watch teams from all over the world compete head-to-head to be world champions.

“Both of my children have gone through the Sunday Rugby programme and it’s become a huge part of their lives.

“We invite all parents to bring their children down to try out the sport.”

Ahead of the new league campaign getting under way, the Mad Hatters Tournament was held at the end of last month, with Police, Teachers, Renegades and Mariners all fielding players in both the women’s and men’s competitions.

In the women's event, the opening match set the stage as Police dominated Teachers in a commanding 17-1 victory.

Game two saw Renegades ease to an emphatic 21-5 victory over Mariners, who then went down to a 19-7 defeat by Police.

The fourth match proved a closer contest as the Renegades narrowly beat Teachers 5-0, keeping their winning streak alive.

However, Teachers bounced back in their next encounter, claiming a resounding 25-0 victory over Mariners.

The pinnacle of the day's competition saw Police triumph over the Renegades in a 10-0 success to clinch the title.

In the men's league, Teachers were crowned champions after overcoming a combined team from Police, Renegades and Mariners in a 28-0 victory.