The fourth season of Lebanon schools competition is set to kick off next week as the GMEA Mount Lebanon Championship sees four teams in action on Saturday February 6, with a double-header at University Libanise stadium.

Notre Dame de Louaise and Saint Joseph School begin the campaign, followed by Broumana high School against Antonine International School. All have been in training since the beginning of the school term in October 2015.

Gaby Haddad, Mount Lebanon’s new development officer, said: “This has been exciting for me, going from being a former player to part of the LRL Federation developing the game. I look forward to working with all four schools and introducing the game to new ones, as well as the general public.

“With Lebanon qualifying in the 2017 Rugby League World Cup, other schools have shown interest to know about the sport. Hopefully this year will be a great championship and we have many other events coming up including a 9s tournament.”

Holders St Joseph’s (pictured, after least season's triumph), who have won two titles, will again start as favourites, with AIS also keen to get back in the winner’s enclosure. Broumana return under Fransesc Rossel,who has arrived from Spain and Notre Dame are newcomers to the competition.