THE 2019 RFL Southern Conference kicks off tomorrow with the match of the day being in Wales when Torfaen Tigers head to Glamorgan Wanderers RFC to take on Cardiff Blue Dragons (kick-off 2.30pm).

Torfaen have gone back up to the league where they last competed back in 2016 before a two-year hiatus for the competition.

The Cwmbran-based side will also lock horns with Valley Cougars from Treharris, Swindon St George and Gloucestershire All Golds in the West Division.

The teams play each other three times with the aim of making it to the play-offs at the end of August and start of September against teams in the East Division.

The Tigers, Cougars and Dragons will now field A teams in the Welsh Premier League and are relishing the chance to lock horns with English opposition.

Tigers coach Ian Newbury said: "The boys are really looking forward to Saturday and kicking off what should be an exciting season ahead.

"Preparations for the game have been good and there's a great buzz around the club at the moment.

"Training leading up to Saturday has been good with plenty of boys fighting for their places.

"I'm confident we'll put in a strong performance against Cardiff who as always can't be underestimated and I'm sure it will be a good contest and advert for the game in Wales."

For Cardiff it's a taste of league action outside Wales for the first time in 16 years.

New Cardiff head coach Jamie Iles said: "Everyone at Cardiff Blue Dragons is more than happy with the continued growth and progression of the club so far this season.

"We are very much looking forward to the season ahead with not only two senior teams and an under 19s but also our junior ages with under 16s, 14s and 12s as well as our newly established over 35s Masters team.

"My assistant coach Chris Thomas and I are both excited about the opening weekend and we would like to thank head of development Alfred Harvey and staff for all the hard work they do behind the scenes in doing a fantastic job of building the Dragons to new heights."