South return to action in December at Netherdale

The return of the South in the famous red-and-white hoops last year was hoped by many to be the launchpad for a revival of the old inter-district championship, but in announcing the rematch with Northumberland, South manager Richie Gray admitted that that remained an ongoing process. "We would both love to see the resurrection of a district championship in Scotland," he said, "but myself and Craig Chalmers (South coach] are very aware of club commitments and the demands on players in a season that, to be fair, is still too long.

"It is very difficult to find a place to fit it in and then to get the right format for it. But we have spoken to a lot of people and there remains a willing there. There is no doubt that the players would love to be involved in an inter-district championship, and for me it's the missing piece of the jigsaw in club rugby in Scotland, between the club game and the Scotland club side.

"You only have to look back at the success of the South's game last year and the interest in it this time to see the place district rugby still holds. We attracted over 2,000 people last December on what was a freezing cold night, pouring with rain. Imagine how many might have come had we had a better night.

"Hopefully, this year we might not have it quite so bad, but you have to accept that we are fitting it in when we can. In a way that suits Border clubs and players, so you just get on with it."

The match has been confirmed for Wednesday, 29 December at Netherdale which was the equivalent date last year for the fixture and Chalmers will once again coach the team with Gray as manager. Gray is hopeful that the South will be able to play more games, perhaps against a Caledonia side with talks ongoing with other guest teams with games hosted around the Borders region. Northumberland were unable to ensure a pitch for the fixture which is why it returns to Galashiels and Netherdale's pitch with undersoil heating. John Reed, Border League President, said: "It was obvious to everyone involved last year that the 'South' concept appealed to both players and supporters, so we look forward to welcoming our visitors from Northumberland in December."

Northumberland representative rugby chairman David Pringle, vowed to bring a stronger side this time, bidding to reverse the defeat. He said: "Northumberland had hoped to host a return match however we recognise the benefits of staging this game, at that time of year, on a ground where play can be guaranteed."