Former champions Glyncoch (2012) have to head to Oakdale, while another former winner, Wattstown (2013), have a bye to the second round. The competition also welcomes the 2nd XVs of a number of clubs.
As well as those clubs who are playing in the newly formed WRU 2nd XV Conference, the four clubs who have entered their 2nd XVs into Division 3 North, Denbigh, Mold, Nant Conwy and Pwllhelli, have also been granted entry for the first time.
With both of last year’s finalists, the champions Amman United and Caerphilly, having moved up into the WRU National Plate, along with semi-finalists Cliflynydd, the battle for the Bowl title will be wide open.
Cardigan are the only team that reached the last four still in the tournament and they have to travel to Ferryside in Round 1. The 2016 champions, Burry Port, will be back for another tilt at the title having lost their crown to arch-rivals Amman United with a 13-3 quarter-final defeat last season.
