THE Ben Francis Cup is making a return after a three-year absence with a new-look format helping clubs fill gaps in their fixture list during the autumn internationals and Six Nations.

The competition will be run by Monmouthshire County RFC and this season will feature 27 clubs from Division One down.

They will be drawn in nine groups of three teams, playing one home fixture and one away fixture during the autumn.

The winners of each pool will go into the cup quarter-finals, the runners-up will enter the plate and the third-placed team will take part in the bowl.

The last-eight encounters will be played during the Six Nations with the dates for the semi-finals and final to be confirmed.

"I think that the clubs have missed it and this should now fill a few gaps on international weekends," said Monmouthshire County RFC secretary Colin Tuckwell.

"By doing it this way, with the league format then cup, plate and bowl rather than straight knockout, it gives all of the clubs something to play.

"We had to have a deadline for teams to enter so that we could organise the competition but hopefully it will take off and more will want to come on board in the future."

The draw will take place at Cwmbran RFC on Monday, September 29 at 7.30pm.

The dates for group stage fixtures are Saturday, November 8, 15 and 22, although they can be played on other nights during the week or on Sundays.

If any companies are interesting in sponsoring the competition they can contact Mr Tuckwell on 07971 033172.