Clubs in the dark after fixture list postponed

PUBLICATION of club rugby fixtures for the next stage of this season's Premier 1 and 2 campaigns was postponed yesterday, with the Scottish Rugby Union stating last night that it is hoped the fixtures will be released today.

The new structure for the domestic season is to kick in for the first time, with the top 24 clubs in the country set to play in three groups of eight. The first part of the season saw the 24 clubs play 11 games each in two leagues of 12.

But clubs waiting yesterday to find out who and where they will be playing when the campaign recommences on 13 November, not least to put match preparations in place, were left disappointed by the delay.

A statement issued through the SRU last night said: "The convenor of the Championship Committee has requested a little more time to enable his committee to finalise the details of the fixtures following input from the Premier 1 forum.

"Therefore today's anticipated announcement regarding the Premier 1/Premier 2 fixtures has been delayed slightly and it is hoped the fixture list can be circulated tomorrow (3 November]."

The restructuring of the season is designed to increase the standard and intensity of rugby immediately below the professional teams level.