The oldest derby in Cornwall carries on its tradition as the Eagles host the Borough at The Recreation Ground at 2:30 on Boxing day, since Falmouth Rugby Clubs' inception in eighteen seventy-three the eagles and their good neighbours in the Borough of Penryn who formed a year earlier needed someone to play against.

The prestigious boxing day fixture was created and has marked a long tradition of rivalry between two of the oldest clubs in Cornwall, if not in England. Played with respect, and a community spirit, like those before them both clubs, are proud to be involved in such a tremendous occasion

Although the game will not count as an official league fixture both sides will be hoping to get the better of their local rivals on what should be a great day filled with festive cheer.

After recently hosting their Falmouth Rugby Family Reunion to celebrate 150 years of continuous rugby the club will be hoping everyone is once again in good spirits and will be providing some post-match entertainment with local musician Will Keating.

This year marks the second outing of the Blueflame boxing day cup, both sponsors Paul Smith and MarkBolitho of Blueflame have offered continued support of Cornish Rugby. The inaugural cup was won last year by the borough who currently sit mid-table in the Counties One Tribute Western West of South West Division, while the Eagles nest patiently awaiting their illusive first win of the season

When the sides last played each other back in November it was Penryn who came out on top with a huge win over Falmouth, the game ended 45-5 in the Tribute Western Counties West league fixture.

Penryn will be filled with confidence after that big win in the derby as well as an away win in their most recent fixture against Plymouth Albion Oaks last Saturday (Plymstock Albion Oaks 18 - 20 Penryn).

Falmouth on the other hand will be looking to bounce back after their last game which was a 15-41 defeat to Topsham earlier this month.

Club squads announced.

Club brand and social ambassador Danny Trick highlighted what a big day this can for both clubs, he said: "If we say that of all the fixtures on the Falmouth list there is nothing comparable or anything that quite captures the popular imagination as much as the annual Boxing Day Derby with Penryn Rugby Football Club"

Penryn's Director of rugby Marek Churcher was looking forward to the fixture, he said: "It's Always great to be part of the Boxing Day derby. Our squad which is very much unchanged from our win on the road last week will look to carry on that form into this very special fixture.

"All walks of life appear from the woodwork to watch this game so hopefully, we can deliver another good performance and give the crowd an entertaining game."

Before this year's game, Falmouth and Penryn will remember absent friends and loved ones and ask spectators to pause for amoment pre-kick-off to remember someone who holds huge affection from both clubs.

Cornish Legend 'Benji' Thomas, Benji will be remembered as the successful Cornwall Coach on that famous day at Twickenham in nineteen ninety-one when Cornwall beat Yorkshire to lift the County Championship Trophy. Benji was in his own right a very fine player, he was part of the Penryn side of the sixties that dominated local rugby at that time.

Dave's (Benji Thomas) impact on the Falmouth Club was profound, leading the first team to great success in the mid to late seventies and coming back to the Club in later life to coach one of the club's highest-quality Colts teams seen in recent years. We hope that both sides can put on a great show today in his honour.

You can follow news from both clubs here:

Falmouth- Falmouth Rugby.

Penryn- Penryn Rugby Football Club.