Rugby Union is back on the Far North Coast!

The Lismore Rugby Union Club is holding their season launch, sign on day and trial matches at the Lismore Rugby Union on Saturday.

The club has been granted a first round bye and will be ready for the season for round 2 next weekend.

The club has been able to have power restored to the sheds and ground lighting, with the clubhouse nearly back to being operational.

The season launch will include junior sign on and information regarding the season as well as trial matches between the Lismore City Women and Golden Oldies (2pm) and First Grade will take on the Lismore Mozzies at 3pm.

Lismore Rugby Club President Peter Everingham is excited about the day, "It has traditionally been a great day to launch the season, with trial matches, merchandise for sale, a fundraising BBQ and plenty of information for the juniors."

"We have had several setbacks already this year, but we are nearly back to normal at the club and ready for a big season."

The FNC Rugby Union Competition returns on Saturday with a number of changes in the top grade.

Byron Bay have returned to First Grade after struggling for numbers during COVID restrictions and the Casino Bulls have dropped out of First Grade to concentrate on building numbers again.

After a number of setbacks, the Southern Cross University Gold Rats will return later in the year in the reserve grade competition.

First Grade matches around the region will commence at 3pm.

FNC Rugby Union First Grade Teams - Round 1

Ballina: 1. Stan Lolohea, 2. Brett Johnston, 3. Sam Pearce, 4. Keanu Francis, 5. Sylvester Fahamokia, 6. Brad Brown (c), 7. Ryan Biscoe, 8. Emosi Tabusili, 9. Rodney Pita, 10. Nick Brydon, 11. Simeli Salabogi, 12. Siua Koloto, 13. Tsui Amituanai,14. Emori Rairailevu, 15. Wilson Lovokuro

Coach: Karl Lupton / Michael McGregor

Manager: Matt Davidson

V

Lennox Head: 1. Matt Liddle, 2. Rhys Stratton, 3. Curtis Miles, 4. Callum Jones(c), 5. Lachie Jones, 6. Sam Robertson, 7. Jedd Windle, 8. Sam Croke, 9. Jared Lofts, 10. Mitch Evers, 11. Beau Glindeman, 12. Brad Lees, 13. Rowan Morgan, 14. Lachie Creagh, 15. Sam Fitzgerald

Coach: Michael Sheather / Steve Condon

Manager: Kel Langfield

Referee: Richard Goswell

Byron Bay: 1. Brad Hill, 2. Gavin McCongel, 3. Oisin Canney, 4. James Atkins, 5. Phil Hall, 6. Manu Ojeda Santiago, 7. James Boozer, 8. Craig Wallace, 9. Dylan Rees-Davies, 10. Thomas Heeringa, 11. Simon Clarke, 12. Joe Grindle, 13. Billy Vary(c), 14. Jye Connochie, 15. Ben Mitchell

Coach: Jeff Watt

Manager: Connor McGowan

V

Bangalow: 1. Dan Hill, 2. Tate Bailey, 3. Liam Mustchin, 4. John Turagabeci, 5. Jock Craigie, 6. Ed McGrath, 7. Darcy Woods, 8. Matt Drew, 9. Vincent Quigley, 10. Troy Doughty (c), 11. Hamish Guest , 12. Jed Erickson, 13. Will Latham, 14. Jona Kalousese Waqa , 15. Joel Little

Coach: Ross Larsson

Manager: Dave Phillips

Referee: Will Palmer

Casuarina Beach: 1. Daniel Tilton, 2. Graham Dodge, 3. Daniel Chugg, 4. Chris Dowling, 5. Dan Raye, 6. Michael Bodnar, 7. Callum O'Shea, 8. Elisio Tagidrau 9. Jacob Hall, 10. Sam Harrison, 11. Webb Lillis, 12 Charlie Hoggard, 13. Kai Georg, 14. Cameron Kitching, 15. Sam Gray

Coach: Graham Dodge

V

Wollongbar Alstonville: 1. Benji Tiatia, 2. Bill Johnston, 3. Brandan Whitney, 4. Matt Scott, 5. Ewen McQueen, 6. Blake Henderson, 7. Jackson Fraser, 8. Lloyd Morgan, 9. Louis Hollman, 10. Ben Damen (c), 11. James Vidler, 12. Dan Damen, 13. Matt Nean, 14. Niko Emoni, 15. Bodi Smith

Coach: Bill Johnston

Manager: Ian Johnson

Referee: Graham Cook

Lismore - Bye