The end-of-season North Gloucestershire Combination cup competitions, which have been a huge part of rugby life in Gloucester since 1912, will have a slightly different look this season.

The Senior Cup, the Martin Slatter Junior Cup and the Glanville Cup will all still be up for grabs but a slight restructure means that which teams compete for what has changed.

Just the top eight clubs in Gloucester will compete in the Senior Cup in 2024 – Matson, Old Centralians, Longlevens, Chosen Hill, Gordon League, Coney Hill, Hucclecote and Old Richians.

They were the city’s top eight teams based on league form at the end of December and it means that clubs such as Brockworth, Old Cryptians, Gloucester Old Boys and Widden Old Boys will enter their flagship teams in the Junior Cup this season.

The Junior Cup will also feature the likes of Matson 2nds, Old Centralians 2nds, Longlevens 2nds, Chosen Hill 2nds and Coney Hill 2nds.

Meanwhile, Widden’s 2nds will line up in the Glanville Cup alongside the 3^rd XVs of Matson, Old Centralians, Longlevens and the like.

“It’s a move that has been driven by the clubs,” explained North Gloucestershire Combination treasurer Andy Payne. “They wanted to level the playing field and make it more competitive.

“The change of format means that some of the clubs further down the leagues have a chance of reaching a final.”

The draw for this year’s competitions will take place on Monday 4^th March with the first matches played in the week beginning Monday 1^st April after the clocks go forward.

Finals day will be held at Kingsholm on Sunday 5^th May.