FIXTURES for the opening round of games in the new rugby season have been revealed.

The top flight of Scottish rugby – the Premiership – kicks off on August 31, with the national and regional leagues getting started seven days later.

Musselburgh begin their new campaign in the Premiership with a trip to face Glasgow Hawks.

The Honest Toun team had the upper hand over their hosts last season and finished two places above them in the final league standings.

Musselburgh were 29-27 winners in the corresponding fixture last term and that came after a 42-42 draw at Stoneyhill in October.

Meanwhile, Preston Lodge sealed an immediate return to National League Division Two last season after suffering just one defeat en route to winning the tier below.

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They begin their league campaign the following weekend, on September 7, when they welcome Gordonians to the Pennypit.

In National League Division Four, North Berwick will head west on the opening day of the campaign.

The county club, who received a bye to the second round of the National League Cup, where they will face Linlithgow in December, are due to head to Whitecraigs on September 7.

Whitecraigs did the double over the Recreation Park side last term but North Berwick will be hoping to get off to a winning start.

In East Region League Division One, Ross High and Haddington will both be in action on September 7.

The Tranent side were relegated from the national leagues last term and begin the new campaign with a home contest against Dalkeith.

Meanwhile, Haddington head to Forrester looking to mount a promotion bid once again.

Victories were shared between the two clubs when they met last season.

Finally, in East Region League Division Two, Dunbar begin their season with a trip to Trinity Academicals.