Devon and Cornwall are set to meet for the first time ever in a competitive Rugby League match on Thursday.

The match at Plymouth's Devonport Services ground is being held to commemorate the centenary of the sport in Devon.

Organiser Joe Catchside said: "This is a tremendous development for the south west region.

"It gives the Devon players a representative level to aspire to as a stepping stone to the regional team."

He added: "It also gives the Cornish players the chance to try their hand at a sport that suits their competitiveness and athleticism."

Rugby League was first played in Devon in 1910, when a touring 'Northern Union' outfit took on a 'Wales and West' team at Home Park in Plymouth.

Since then, the growth of the sport has been slow in the region, although Devon does now have five teams playing in the South West Conference Division.

Cornwall have no competitive teams at present, although they will be able to pick players from RNAS Culdrose for Thursday's encounter.

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