National rugby sides to make long-awaited return this weekend

Two Island teams to face Warrington RUFC

This weekend, the Isle of Man will field national rugby teams for the first time in more than 20 years.

Two squads - named 'Isle of Man' and 'Ellan Vannin' - will travel to face Warrington RUFC in a double-header of friendly fixtures tomorrow (16 May).

Both local sides will feature 19 players with representation from multiple domestic clubs across Manx shores.

The Isle of Man's Rugby Development Officer, Kris Hattam, says they're excited for the trip and hopes it won't be a one-off:

First up tomorrow, the Ellan Vannin team will face Warrington RUFC's second team at 1pm before the Isle of Man squad plays Warrington's first team at 3pm.

Both games will be held at Grappenhall Village Sports Club in Warrington.

Separately, Warrington RUFC enjoyed a successful league campaign this season, earning promotion to Regional 2 North West where they'll face Island side, Douglas in 2026/27.

In 2026, the UK side also won the Lancashire Trophy for a second year in a row.

You can view the full Isle of Man squads for the two matches against Warrington RUFC below:

Isle of Man national teams to play Warrington RUFC (Saturday, 16 May 2026

Isle of Man

Forwards

Simon Hoddinot
Josh Campbell
Owen Carvin
Connor Garland
Blake Everson
Matthew Meechan
Richard Seed
Harry Cartwright
Liam Kirkpatrick (C)
Daniel Bonwick
Mark Oldfield

Backs

Nathan Robson
Josh Duncan
Matthew Wood
Harry Hewson (VC)
Oliver Corkish
Sheldon Higgins
Kyle Martin
Craig Martin

Ellan Vannin

Forwards

Ralph Clarke
Matthew Rockwell
Reece de Oliveira
Aaron Mason
Josh Corteen (C)
Lleandro Marques
Alfie Howard
Christian Theron
Percy Hampton
Ewan Chapman

Backs

George Callister
Jonty Shimmin
Shay Waterworth
Callum Dentith
Jake Richmond
Kieran Kneale
Tony Quinn
Cameron Findlay
Wilf Kermode