A BIG derby will begin the new rugby season.

Saturday marks the return of competitive league rugby in North Wales, with the opening round of fixtures in WRU League Division One (North).

Ruthin will begin their campaign with a home clash versus local rivals Bala.

The sides met recently at Cae Ddol in the North Wales Cup, with Bala running out 18-10 winners.

Elsewhere in Division One (North), Dinbych begin their season with a trip to Dolgellau.

There has been hugely positive news for Llangollen-based Bro Gwernant.

Initially left out of the Welsh leagues for the forthcoming season, Bro Gwernant can now look forward to competing in North Wales League Division Four.

Team manager Huw Evans said: "When we initially heard that we were excluded from the North Wales league for 21/22, it was a real kick in the teeth.

"The club has come on leaps and bounds over the last 18 months, even with the Covid restrictions that we have all been under.

"We have created a whole new club which brought together the communities of Glyn Ceiriog and Llangollen together, both in the seniors and the junior section and we are now as one under Clwb Rygbi Bro Gwernant."

Evans added: "A lot of hard work has gone on behind the scenes with both the committee members as well as the coaches to get the club in a stable position and putting the building blocks in place for a stable future.

"We were delighted when it was announced that the leagues were to be re structured and we were to be included in the league format.

"This can only benefit North Wales rugby as at the end of the day we want as many teams and players playing the sport we love.

"We would like to thank the other North Wales rugby clubs as well as the rugby community who supported us and this did make a difference with us now getting in the league structure.

"We are all looking forward to the 21/22 season starting in a couple of weeks and the unveiling of our new team kit."