The fixture list for this season’s Principality Premiership has been announced.
Bedwas will play host Neath while Cross Keys will visit Llanelli on August 29.
This year, for the first time, the top eight finishing teams will be involved in a play-off championship at the end of the season.
The play-off championship final will be held on Sunday May 23 and the final play-off positions will determine the Welsh participants in the British and Irish Cup the following season.
WRU head of rugby, performance and development Joe Lydon said: “The introduction of the play-offs will create an added edge which will ensure fierce competition from the beginning to the end of the season and give the supporters the mouth-watering prospect of seeing some tremendous rugby action.
“We have promised to drive the Principality Premiership Division forward and the league and cup structure this coming season will benefit the development of the game at the semi professional level in Wales.”
Graeme Yorston, Chief Operating Officer at Principality Building Society, said: “The past four seasons have been filled with excitement, close-calls, great tries and wonderful team performances. We’ve seen Cardiff steal the trophy from Neath for the first time since our sponsorship began.
“The next year promises new highs of quality, stature and excitement. The introduction of the play-offs will certainly raise the level of competition on the pitch and there will no doubt be many challengers for the title this season. As Wales’ largest building society we are delighted to support such a breeding ground for Welsh talent. I wish all the teams every success as we approach the season start.”
Chris Clarke, chairman of the Premier Division said, “Everyone involved in the Premier Division is looking forward to an exciting season of rugby. We are constantly looking to raise standards on and off the pitch and the introduction of the British and Irish Cup and the play-off championship at the end of the season will bring an added edge to the Principality Premiership right from the word go.”
For the full fixture list click here.