Club rugby: Murrayfield Wanderers told to forget off-field turmoil

Murrayfield Wanderers coach Bruce Aitchison will urge his men to forget recent off-field matters and focus on their National League Cup tie away to West of Scotland when the new campaign kicks off tomorrow.

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It has been a fraught summer for Wanderers, who were rendered homeless after being evicted by Scottish Rugby from their long-term home on the back pitches of the national stadium. The club will now play home fixture at Roseburn Park, with the former armoury on the site as clubrooms.

Another side desperate to return to action is Stewart’s Melville, who will be happy to switch attention to securing a winning start to the season when they travel to face last season’s National Shield champions Carrick.

The Inverleith men, who now have Nick McCashin as head coach, suffered relegation from National Division One last season, and merged their age group and third team set-ups with nearby Heriot’s having struggled for player numbers in recent years.

Meanwhile, Musselburgh welcome Biggar, Preston Lodge face Hillhead Jordanhill at Pennypit Park, and Lasswade host Howe of Fife.