FORMER British Lion and Scotland prop, Peter Wright, has hit out at the decision to open the 2015-16 club season with games on August 29 kicking off at 1.15pm.

On the same day, Scotland and Italy meet at Murrayfield in a World Cup warm-up with the kick-off at 3.15pm.

Wright, who has led Selkirk into the Premiership, said on Saturday: “We have Gala on the opening day at 10 o’clock or something (the kick-off according to the SRU website is 1.15pm).

“How ludicrous is that? Why does Scotland play at 3.15 on the first day of the club season? Why not kick off at 10 o’clock at night? We will all have to kick off early.” Hawick faces Melrose at Mansfield Park on the same day, while all clubs will be faced with the kick-offs at 1.15pm.

On the plus side, the Premiership will be played straight through to a finish in January without being interrupted by internationals.

But the play-offs, which will follow last season’s format, could follow in April/May and again clash with the Borders sevens if the weather intervenes.

“If it is like last year, they could be having the play-offs in May. How ludicrous is that, too? If you win the league after 18 games, you are the champions,” Wright added.

It is understood that clubs agreed to the change, but many feel that decision already demeans the competition. “They (clubs) should hang their heads in shame,” said Wright.

The league kicks off on August 29 with the final matches on January 16.