BT Leagues return for 2017/18 season

Scotland’s top-flight men’s competition will again see ten teams go head-to-head across the country, with the opening round of league games this Saturday (2 September).

Ayr start the season away at Boroughmuir after being crowned league champions for season 2016/17, pipping Melrose to the post in a tense BT Premiership Final.

Scotland’s premier club competition also welcomes the arrival of Marr Rugby after being promoted from BT National League Division 1.

The men in purple and gold will be looking to continue their impressive form from last season after defeating GHA 39-22 in the final league game which resulted in their 21st consecutive win of the season.

Glasgow Hawks, who will play two September home games at Scotstoun due to a sinkhole in their Old Anniesland pitch, will face west of Scotland rivals Marr in the opening round

The inaugural round also sees Watsonians visit current BT Cup and BT Charity Shield champions, Melrose, at The Greenyards.

Currie, who have recently rebranded to play under the name ‘Currie Chieftains,’ will visit Hawick at Mansfield Park in their opening fixture.

Stirling County will round-up the opening fixtures as they travel east to take on Heriot’s at Goldenacre.

Scottish Rugby’s Head of Club Services, Nick Rennie, said: “The BT Premiership is Scotland’s top-flight domestic competition and, after an enthralling culmination to last year’s season, we’re delighted to be launching the 2017/18 campaign.

All ten clubs have been working hard in the pre-season to ensure they are continuously developing the skills and conditioning levels that have helped deliver such an exciting championship year after year.

“Last weekend’s BT Charity Shield competition provided a thrilling curtain-raiser to this Saturday’s opening round and we wish all the teams and players the very best for the coming season.

“We would once again like to thank BT for their continued support and sponsorship”.

Paul Taylor, BT Scotland Board member, said: “With Scottish club rugby in great shape, we’re looking forward to an action-packed season ahead.

“As an avid supporter of the Scottish game, we’re thrilled to see the great results of our partnership bear fruit for clubs around Scotland.

The Club Sustainability Fund has made a real difference to local clubs the length of the country, and it’s also fantastic to see more positive results from the BT Sport Scottish Rugby Academy coming through.

“We wish everyone taking part from across Scotland the best of luck in the season ahead.”

The women’s BT Premier League started their 2017/18 competition last Sunday (27 August) as RHC Cougars were defeated by Hillhead Jordanhill Women (12-43) at Barton.

After starting their campaign with a victory, Hillhead Jordanhill will go head-to-head with Cartha Queens Park Women this Friday (1 September).

The new season welcomes the arrival of Watsonians Women after the club gained promotion from the BT Women’s National League Division 1.

The newly promoted team, who were undefeated last season, will visit Stirling County Women at Bridgehaugh Park.

Reigning champions Murrayfield Wanderers Women will face local rivals RHC Cougars, while Ayr Women welcomes Stewartry Sirens in a battle of the west of Scotland teams.