LOWER North Coast Rugby Union is planning a Saturday July 11 start to the 2020 season.
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This will be in first grade men and women's 10-a-side. Two rounds will be played, culminating with the grand finals on Saturday October 17. No matches will be scheduled for the October long weekend.
Six clubs, Manning Ratz, Old Bar Clams, Forster Tuncurry Dolphins, Wauchope Thunder, Wallamba Bulls and Gloucester Cockies make up the LNC premiership, although Gloucester didn't play in the men's grades last season citing a lack of players.
All clubs in the Mid North Coast Zone can start training from June 29.
Mid North Coast Rugby Union chief executive Bob Wilson said all details will be subject to approval from the federal government and Rugby Australia, but he is confident of getting the green light.
"We've contacted all our clubs and the feedback from the greater majority has been positive,'' Mr Wilson said.
He added that there's a strong possibility of some clubs picking up rugby league players, with the Group Three Rugby League voting to cancel this year's competition.
Mr Wilson said there were some concerns expressed about playing into October and potentially clashing with summer sports that usually begin that month. He is also hoping to speak to officials from the relevant cricket associations in the area.
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He doesn't believe heat would be a major factor.
"They play football in March, it's hot then,'' he said.
"So I don't think that's going to be a problem.''
Mr Wilson said it has still to be determined if spectators would be able to attend games because of the Covid-19 restrictions.
"Hopefully things will have settled down a bit by the time we start playing,'' he said.
"And we don't get real big crowds anyway.''
The Upper Mid North Coast competition will be underway from Saturday July 18 with the grand finals on Saturday October 25.
