SHEEPDOGS and rugby don't normally mix... although they would be pretty fast on the wing!

Next year's Welsh National Sheepdog Trial is scheduled to be held at Coleg Cambria Llysfasi, near Ruthin.

It will be held between August 10 and 12, 2023 and in light of this, organisers have arranged a forthcoming fundraising charity rugby match.

Organised by Arwyn Davies, this game will be taking place at Ruthin Rugby Club on Saturday, May 14.

Kick-off is set for 4pm and the match will see sheepdog handlers and local farmers compete against each other to support next year's national trial.

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After the rugby match, there is to be an auction of promises, which will see items such as training sessions with top Welsh sheepdog handlers, a crook, a dog photoshoot, butchered lamb boxes and straws of Beltex/Limousin semen auctioned off by Dafydd Parry, the chairman of the local committee.

All proceeds will go towards funding the 2023 national trial.

Handlers from all over Wales, including previous supreme champion Aled Owen, Welsh national winner and organiser of the event Arwyn Davies and his father Bryn Davies, and even handlers from as far a field as Suffolk - will also be participating.

The Welsh National Sheepdog Trials are held every summer, with up to 150 dogs competing to gain one of 15 places on the Welsh team to compete against England, Scotland and Ireland at the international sheepdog trial in September.

Entry to the rugby match will be £3 on the gate.

Among the sponsors for the fundraising event are CSJ Dog Foods, Wynnstay Agricultural Supplies, Kevin Evans Sheepdogs, Gill Tustain and the North Wales Sheepdog Society.

For more information, see @welshantionalsheepdogtrial2023 on Instagram or @welshnational2023 on Facebook.