THE revamped Ben Francis Cup gets under way tomorrow evening after a three-year absence.

The invite to take part in the tournament was taken up by 27 clubs in the Monmouthshire County RFC area that play in leagues below the Swalec Championship.

They have been split into nine groups with the winners progressing in the cup, the runners-up playing in the plate and the bottom clubs going into the bowl.

The competition, which was first played in 1925, has a new-look format to help clubs fill gaps in their fixture list during international periods.

Round two, featuring three groups of three teams, will be played during the Six Nations with semi-finals and the finals taking place at a neutral venue.

Meanwhile, Mal Beynon has accepted the position of patron to the county and Bryn Meredith will continue as president.

Round one fixtures: Tomorrow – Pontypool United v Blaenavon, Talywain v Croesyceiliog; Friday – Abertillery BG v Risca, Blackwood Stars v Abergavenny, Cwmbran v Ynysddu, Blaina v Oakdale. (TBC: Trinant v Brynithel, Beaufort v Pill Harriers)