Looking ahead to the 2014/2015

As the 2013/14 season draws to a close, thoughts start to concentrate on next season. We asked John Steele to summarise the position for Saints for next year ….

How will the 2014/2015 Leagues shape up?

Following the club’s victory at the Scottish Rugby Union AGM in June, league and cup reconstruction will again take place from season 2014-15.

Next season Saints will find themselves in National League 3, consisting of 12 teams. The changes will position Saints in the fourth tier of domestic rugby below a Premier League of 10 teams and National League 1 and National League 2 each comprising of 12 teams.

Essentially the changes replace the much-unloved Regional Cups with more meaningful league fixtures for players and supporters alike. The Cup will revert to a knock-out format with the National League 2 and National League 3 clubs contesting a preliminary round – with the winners joining the Premier and National League 1 clubs in round one.

Which teams will Saints face next season?

Saints league opponents next season include some familiar foes in the form of West of Scotland, Dalziel, Hawick YM, Lasswade, Murrayfield Wanderers, Irvine, East Kilbride, RHC, Preston Lodge, Perthshire and Dunfermline or Orkney!

No doubt the club treasurer would prefer Saints cross the Forth to Fife rather than fly North to the Islands! Those who made our only previous trip to Orkney may have a different perspective?

Article and Photo Courtesy of www.dumfriessaintsrugby.co.uk