Aberdeen Grammar head coach Ali O’Connor is hopeful the new rugby season will start as planned on October 31.
Fresh restrictions to combat the second wave of coronavirus cases were announced yesterday, throwing the resumption of some domestic sports into doubt.
The fixtures for the revamped regional campaigns were released last week by Scottish Rugby, with Grammar playing nine pool fixtures against Dundee, Highland and Stirling County to start the season.
Should they win their conference, there will be a play-off spot for them at the end of the season.
After those nine games, however, there is a broader national conference, with each team playing one another once and presenting another opportunity for play-off qualification.
Teams have been able to return to training and Grammar are tentatively trying to organise some pre-season games ahead of the Halloween start.
However, as with much society at present, it hinges on the status of Covid-19 in Scotland as a whole.
O’Connor said: “I don’t really know what to expect. We will prepare ready for the start. We could be in lockdown or different areas could be in lockdown.
“It’s going to be a case of getting through it and get some momentum going, if things are going to be a bit staggered.
“There’s a trophy to play for and whether we get through and get that completed is anyone’s guess.
“There were no great surprises (with the regional fixtures). The first part of the season is going to bring it’s own challenges.
“They will be looking to take us on as the higher-placed side and will see it as an opportunity to turn us over, but I’m happy enough with the format.”
The way the fixtures have fallen means Grammar will play Dundee and Stirling County twice at home, starting with a home game against the former.
They will have two trips through to Inverness to face Highland at Canal Park.
After this is completed, a stage two competition is scheduled where teams will be split into four five-team pools. Grammar will face GHA and Marr at home and Glasgow Hawks and Edinburgh Accies away.
O’Connor has been putting his squad through their paces in smaller groups over the last few weeks and has made further additions.
Forward Matthew Emmison returns north to his native Aberdeen after time with Stirling County, while Evan Fairweather, who hails from Perth, has made a positive impression in the backs.
The Grammar head coach added: “I think Evan has been in Aberdeen for the last couple of years, but wanted to focus on his studies. He looks keen and sharp. At the moment we’ve got about 11 unavailable due to holidays and work.”
