Club rugby’s newcomers welcomed to fold by SRU

the Scottish Rugby Union has hailed an increase in the number of teams in the domestic league set-up at the official launch of the 2011/2012 season yesterday.

Four extra teams and an increased number of reserve sides will bring the number of teams contesting the leagues to 309.

The competition at various levels across the country is now sponsored by RBS and gets underway on Saturday.

At the top level of Scottish club rugby – RBS Premier 1 – the defending champions Melrose face a tricky trip north to face Aberdeen Grammar in their opener.

Newly-promoted Gala travel to the Capital to face perennial title contenders Currie at Malleny Park.

The other top-tier fixtures on opening day are Boroughmuir against Dundee HSFP, Heriot’s versus Hawick, Ayr v Edinburgh Accies and Glasgow Hawks against Stirling County.

Scottish Rugby and new domestic competition sponsor, RBS, today welcomed four additional teams and a number of increased reserve teams into the 2011/12 season. That was confirmed today as clubs the length and breadth of the land prepare for their opening fixtures over the next ten days.

The launch of the new league season took place at Strathspey RFC’s local branch in Aviemore .

As well as the three Premier leagues, there is a national league, and two reserve national leagues.

The regional leagues start a week on Saturday on 3 September and the two women’s premier leagues start on Sunday 11 September. The women’s national league gets underway on Sunday, 25 September.

Scottish Rugby’s head of community rugby, Colin Thomson, said: “Club rugby is the life blood of the game in Scotland. It gives thousands of players and volunteers the chance to enjoy the sport in local communities across the length and breadth of the country.

“We’re looking forward to seeing the benefits of greater regionalisation to our league and cup competitions and the excellent opportunity that this provides to spark local rivalries before the cup competition culminates at our national cup finals day at Murrayfield in April.

“Our partnership with RBS offers all clubs in Scotland funding and support through new initiatives. It’s fantastic to see an increase in teams participating this season, bringing the total number of teams to 309, which is testament to all those working hard to grow the game.”