The structure of next season's Celtic League is starting to look a little clearer. According to Kevin Ferrie in the Herald, the Celtic countries' professional season will begin on September 5/6 and finish on May 14/15, with only three vacant weekends, that of the World Cup final on November 22, the one immediately after Christmas, and just one during the Six Nations Championship.

It also looks like the Scottish teams will receive a boost to their travelling support on two weekends. Ireland's provinces are anticipating two extra pay-days as league organisers look to fill the eve-of-Test void left by the Scotland and Wales A teams by ensuring that the professional teams visit the same countries as their national sides on Six Nations weekends. That should increase the travelling support at those league matches with, next season, Ireland benefiting most, since they host both Scotland and Wales, while Scotland also visit Wales.

The new Celtic Cup competition is expected to begin early, probably on September 20, with four of the 12 contestants getting byes based on last season's Celtic League finishing positions.

The Scotland World Cup squad will miss all domestic activity until late November and, with the Celtic Cup final apparently set for December 20 following two weekends of European action, may not play a league match until next year.