SWALEC League launches

The Llynfi Road side were relegated last season and will be looking to bounce straight back to the top flight. Tonmawr, who were champions of One West last season, should provide the biggest challenge to Maesteg alongside Carmarthen Quins.

Tonmawr begin at Whitland while Quins play host to Llangennech.

In One East, Penallta's rapid rise up the divisions will be tested by visitors Blackwood, while last season's runners-up, Caerphilly, will be hoping to go one better this year. The Cheesemen entertain a Newbridge side that promised much in the early part of last season before falling away to mid-table.

In Two East, Mountain Ash will be making a big effort to improve on their third place last season. They travel to Treherbert where they were pipped 11-10 last season.

In Two West, Loughor, Mumbles and Pencoed hope last season's good form will continue as they take on Gorseinon, relegated Waunarlwydd, and Builth Wells respectively. The mid-Wales club have been switched this season from East to West and the change may well suit the Powys club.

Three East will be very much a Gwent affair with a number of derby matches to look forward to. Garndiffaith and Croesyceiliog could set the early running with Garn opening at Nelson while the Cockerels visit Rhymney.

Five clubs from Cardiff will do battle in Three South East with Llanishen entertaining Fairwater on Saturday in a real derby encounter. Newly-promoted Llandaff North travel to the seaside to take on Penarth, Old Illtydians visit Llantwit Fardre and Abverdare play host to St Peter's.

Four West will see a renewal of the Pembrokeshire rivalry with the relegated Pembroke Dock Quins resuming league matches against Pembroke. Their first meeting could come as early as September 27. Quins open their programme away to Burry Port while Pembroke entertain Tenby.

This season, Four North and Five North have been renamed One North and Two North. Four North champions Caernarfon open up at Pwllheli who were champions of Five North last term.