SHROPSHIRE and Greater Birmingham will meet in the opening match of this season's Houghton Harries Rugby Shield at Harper Adams University next Wednesday.

The competition is the North Midlands domestic colts championship and gives Under-19 players the chance to press their claims for inclusion in next season's North Midlands U19 and U20 sides.

The other Shield matches are Greater Birmingham v Worcestershire & Herefordshire at Edwardians on April 9 and Worcestershire & Herefordshire v Shropshire at Stourbridge on April 16.

All matches kick-off at 7pm.