The new-look Principality Premiership kicks off on Saturday with champions Cardiff hosting Swansea at the Arms Park. Paul Moriarty takes over as director of coaching at the Arms Park, where Cardiff RFC will now have sole occupancy, with Cardiff Blues settling into their new home at the Cardiff City stadium.
The 2009/10 season sees the introduction of the British and Irish Cup involving six Welsh clubs, and a new, play-off championship at the end of the season to determine the clubs who will participate in next season’s British and Irish Cup.
SWALEC Cup holders Neath will travel to Bridge Field to play Bedwas on Saturday, while newcomers Carmarthen Quins travel to Rodney Parade to take on last year’s runners-up, Newport. The remaining fixtures on the opening day of the season see Llanelli take on Cross Keys at Parc y Scarlets, Pontypridd host Llandovery, Aberavon travel to Pontypool and Glamorgan Wanderers welcome Ebbw Vale.
