Melrose start the season away at Borders rivals, Hawick, after being crowned champions for season 2017/18, having edged past Ayr in a tense final at their Greenyards home in April.

The top tier of Scotland's men's competitions welcomes Edinburgh Accies following their promotion from last year’s BT National League Division 1, having lost only one game to second-placed Jed-Forest on their way to the title.

The Raeburn Place side have a tough task in the first round with a visit from Ayr, who have appeared in the last three BT Premiership finals.

Glasgow Hawks, who booked their place in this year’s top-flight competition with a play-off victory against Jed-Forest, host Heriot’s on the opening weekend

Boroughmuir travel to local rivals, Currie Chieftains, for the first all-Edinburgh match-up of this term.

Play-off semi-finalists from last season, Watsonians, welcome winners of last week’s BT Charity Shield, Stirling County.

Director of Rugby Development, Sheila Begbie, said: “We’re looking forward to another year of domestic competition and all the teams will be raring to go as we enter a new season of Tennent’s Premiership action.

“This is a highly competitive league which provides a platform for players to test themselves on a weekly basis.

All these clubs continue to work hard to give players the opportunity to play, improve their game and, importantly, be part of a thriving rugby community.

“We would like to thank Tennent’s for their support ahead of this historic season."

George Kyle, Head of PR and Sponsorship at Tennent’s said: “The first matches of the Tennent’s Premiership and the Tennent’s Women’s Premier League signal the beginning of the domestic season and the first action to take place following the extension of our partnership with Scottish Rugby.

With clubs across the country preparing for another tough and competitive season in Scotland’s premier club competition we look forward to further developing our relationship with clubs and fans throughout the sport. We are proud to be a partner of Scottish Rugby at all levels and wish each of the teams the best of luck for the season ahead.”