CHINNOR will play their first matches since March 2020 with a double-header against Rams next month.

The Thame-based side will face their National League 1 counterparts in two friendlies, on May 22 and 29.

Chinnor will travel to Berkshire for the first game before hosting their opponents a week later, with both matches following adapted rules that forbid scrums or mauls.

Richard Thorpe’s side trained for the first time in three months on March 30, but they have not played a game since they lost 22-19 at Sale on March 7 last year.

The 2019/20 campaign was halted later that month due to the coronavirus pandemic, with the Rugby Football Union deciding to cancel this season for the community game.

Director of rugby Thorpe said: “Our players previously trained without any certainty of playing fixtures.

“But this news has brought a renewed energy, focus and a real sense of purpose at training, and we look forward to closing off the 2020/21 season with rugby at Kingsey Road.”

Rams triumphed in two close fixtures in 2019/20, winning 27-21 at home and 21-17 away.

The teams were due to face each other in the NCA Cup, which was set to take place earlier this year before it was cancelled due to the third national lockdown.

They were drawn in a group with Henley Hawks, Rosslyn Park, Barnes and Esher.