SCOTLAND'S first national quidditch team has been launched to compete in the Quidditch Premier League (QPL).

The move follows QPL’s highly successful inaugural season, where the West Midlands Revolution won the 2017 Championship.

Try-outs for the Scottish Thistles team will take place in the spring.

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The Scottish Thistles will enter the northern division of the league, competing in divisional fixtures against the Yorkshire Roses, the West Midlands revolution, the East Midlands Archers and the Northern Watch before heading to the 2018 Championship.

And the coveted prize for being declared champion at last year's event? Being congratulated by the queen of muggles and wizards alike, J.K Rowling.

The League’s Director, Jack Lennard, said:"I am so excited to be launching the Scottish Thistles and the Welsh Dragons within the Quidditch Premier League in 2018.

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"When we started last year, we were disappointed at having to limit our reach; now we can finally do justice to the amazing communities of players in these countries.

"To now have Welsh and Scottish national teams is incredible, and I hope it really galvanises engagement with the sport there.

"We want as much local support as possible - including local businesses sponsoring the teams! So make sure you keep an eye out for the 2018 tryout and fixture dates so you can cheer your country on."

To find out more about the Quidditch Premier League and the Scottish Thistles, visit quidditchpremierleague.com.