Local rugby is set to resume after the Christmas break when the annual Duckett Memorial matches take place at Police Recreation Club tomorrow.

The island’s oldest running event will see the Police women’s team play a select side from the other teams, while the men go up against a Bermuda Rugby Football Board President’s XV.

Adam Richards, the chairman of the Police Rugby Club, underscored the significance of Saturday’s matches.

“This is an extremely important day for the club,’’ Richards said. “We are looking forward to some quality rugby in what is the 49th Duckett memorial event. We invite all of Bermuda’s rugby community to join us and look forward to a great event.”

Darren Richardson, the club captain is expecting a tough assignment, in a competition where they have enjoyed past success.

“We shouldn’t win when you look at the strength of the combined opposition teams,’’ Richardson said. “However, historically Police are often successful in this fixture, and this year we are hopeful that this will continue.”

The yearly matches are played in remembrance of George Duckett, the former commissioner of police who was assassinated in 1972.

Duckett, described as a popular, larger than life commissioner who had a commanding presence was well-known as an ardent rugby fan. In 1973, the Bermuda Police Rugby section commenced an annual game in his honour.

Serving officers, former colleagues and rugby fans across the island have been urged to continue showing their respect to the departed Duckett by attending this sporting tradition.