The 2010 club rugby season gets off to an early start this weekend because of the Soccer World Cup, which will mainly disrupt the normal schedule in June. The Under 20’s start their campaign on Friday evening with 2009 Frank Norris champions Jonsson College Rovers kicking off their season with a tough opener against Acer Durban Collegians on KP 10 at 8pm.

There can be no doubt that this years leagues are going to be a lot more hotly contested than ever with most of the clubs having done so much more hard work during the off season no more so than Envirosan Old Boys and Durban Collegians, the two clubs that are likely to give Rovers a real run for their money this year. Certainly Rovers will not start as out right favorites this time around and in fact they probably will be ranked fourth favorites as by their own admission they didn’t really put 100% effort into their recruitment program for the coming season.

With this in mind Collegians should have the edge in what should be an entertaining and enthralling opening derby between the neighbours. ‘Oldies’ will have it a lot easier when they meet their visitors from across the way Goss and Balfe Crusaders. Old Boys have really gone big with their recruitment drive in preparation for this season and must be absolute favorites to take the title this year. They certainly had every opportunity last year so in this their centenary year maybe the silverware will be now forthcoming.

In the other games Empangeni the junior side attached to Thanda Zululand Rhinos will host ChemSpec Jaguars and Pietermaritzburg will entertain Airtron Harlequins at Woodburn in the capital on Saturday, both games kicking off at 3.30pm

With a host of new sponsors adding value to the club game together with a number of new faces in the chairs of many of the clubs the season does look set to be more competitive than ever.