SILVERWARE will be up for grabs as the North Wales Crusaders play their first home League 1 match of the season tomorrow.

Cornwall, North Wales Crusaders and West Wales Raiders will compete for the newly incepted and titled Celtic Shield during the 2022 season.

The shield will be up for grabs in Colwyn Bay tomorrow as the Crusaders host Cornwall in what will be the Choughs’ first ever professional rugby league match.

Crusaders chief executive Andy Moulsdale said: “League 1 is as diverse as it's ever been, with clubs spread out across the United Kingdom helping develop the sport.

“With that in mind, it’s fantastic to be competing for the Celtic Shield alongside Cornwall and West Wales Raiders.

“We’ve had a lot of interest in Saturday’s match in Colwyn Bay and we hope the Celtic Shield gives rugby league fans far and wide another reason to pop over to the North Wales coast.

“Our supporters are well-known for their friendly nature and getting behind our players so we’re looking forward to giving Cornwall a very warm welcome this weekend.”

The shield holders will then be in possession of the trophy until they next play another of the Celtic sides.

This means that if Anthony Murray’s Crusaders are victorious on Saturday evening, they will put the shield on the line when they host West Wales on Saturday, April 30.

However, if Neil Kelly’s Cornwall side prevail in North Wales, they will battle to keep the shield on Sunday, May 15 when Ashley Bateman’s Raiders cross the border into England and visit the Memorial Ground, Penryn.

“The Celtic Shield is a fantastic initiative between the Celtic clubs of the Rugby Football League,” said Cornwall president Eric Perez.

“This new challenge shield will help to create a rivalry and camaraderie between the three clubs - Cornwall RLFC, North Wales Crusaders and West Wales Raiders. We look forward to the first match on Saturday in Colwyn Bay against North Wales and some hard fought competition for years to come.”