While Ulster isn’t exactly a hotbed of Rugby League, the 13-man code has a growing following.

This season sees five club sides participating in a new Ulster League with the province’s first-ever fully structured system dovetailing with its counterparts in Leinster and Munster.

Ballynahinch Rabbittohs, East Belfast Bulldogs, Fermanagh Redskins, Portadown Pumas and Strangford Sharks are the runners and four of those five will be in action at Ballymacarn Park this afternoon.

Wayne Kelly, known to Union followers as a Portadown wing, is to the fore in nurturing the fledgling set-up’s development.

He said: “Our format is Gala Days featuring four of the five Ulster clubs.

“The season is starting with Ballynahinch Rabbittohs playing Fermanagh Redskins, followed by Portadown Pumas versus Strangford Sharks.”

Saturday July 3 is the date of the Ulster League Grand Final, with the victors going forward to represent the province against the Leinster and Munster winners.

“With only one club in Connacht at this stage we’re still working on a format to give us four teams in the All-Ireland play-offs. It might be the best of the three provinces’ runners-up; we’ll see,” Kelly said.

The All-Ireland Grand Final is scheduled for August 2.