THE Plymouth Combination representative rugby team returns to action on Saturday when they host Torbay Sharks at the Rectory (3pm).

The side last played in May 2019 when they lost a hard-fought game to the Sharks 28-19.

With no Devon men’s representative rugby this year, it is expected that both teams will be strong on Saturday.

The Sharks normally draw players from the likes of Newton Abbot, Brixham, Teignmouth, Paignton and Torquay, while the Plymouth Combination will draw on the likes of Devonport Services, Tavistock, Plymstock Albion Oaks, OPMs, Tamar Saracens, Old Techs and Plymouth Argaum.

Saltash would have had players involved but they have their dinner and dance on Saturday, which starts at 4pm.

Services’ Tom Richards, who has also played for Oaks and Argaum, will captain the Plymouth team this weekend, while Techs’ Shaun Bedford-Smith will once again coach the side with the help of Tamar Saracens’ Pete Lethbridge.

“Torbay Sharks are a good level and whenever we have played them before we have always had a good game against them,” said Bedford-Smith.

“They have already played the Cornwall Clubs’ XV and do normally play three or four games a year so they are going to be pretty strong, but we would like to think we can give them a good game.

“It has been three years since we last played a Combination game and so we are looking forward to it.

“With no Devon team this year, we are the only representative rugby going on so we are hoping there will be a bit more interest in the game.

“Hopefully, people will want to get their rugby fix and come along. It should be a good day and it is free entry.  Hopefully, it will be well supported.”

The Combination are also looking at possibly arranging other matches to give more players a chance to play representative rugby.