AYR RFC have officially commenced their Arnold Clark Premiership title defence.
The Millbrae side got their season up and running on Saturday, August 23, with an opening day victory at home to Glasgow Hawks.
The resounding 57-21 win put the South Ayrshire giants atop the table once again, a position they will be hopeful of staying in.
Last year, Grant Anderson's side were seemingly untouchable as they earned the Premiership crown.
Ayr lost just one regular season game, finishing in first position before taking down Currie Chieftains in the play-off semi-finals and romping past Watsonian in the final.
Having maintained the vast majority of the squad which delivered that glory, it is fair to say Ayr are firm favourites to retain their title.
More: Second half showing delights Ayr boss as wait for first league win continues
Speaking to our sister title Scottish Rugby News last week, captain Blair Macpherson says that the South Ayrshire club won't be "untouchable".
He said: "Currie showed that we weren't last year. We're not really concerned with other teams.
"We look at our own processing week on week. We've got specific targets and it's like a traffic light system.
“Despite our performances, you might look at the scoreboard and go 'great win lads' but then when you actually look at what we're targeting, we're off it quite a lot of the time."
Macpherson did admit that he knows Ayr will be 'the side to beat' for the Premiership's nine other clubs this season - but it is something the Millbrae team will relish.
He added: "We're certainly not untouchable. The target is on our back. We like it there. It's good to have that and the refs are against us."
Ayr will continue their season on Saturday, August 30, with a trip to play Heriot's Rugby, who finished the regular season in second place last campaign.
The match, which kicks off at 4.45pm, will be shown live on the Scottish Rugby YouTube channel.
Elsewhere on Saturday, Marr RFC are set to commence their Division One season with a trip to face Jed-Forest RFC.
The Troon side will be looking to bounce back this campaign after suffering relegation from the Premiership in 2024/25.
While Carrick RFC also got the new season underway over the weekend, defeating Strathaven 31-26 in the West Division One.
The Maybole outfit will be looking to kick on after earning promotion into the division last campaign.
They will look to build on their opening day win as they travel to face fellow Ayrshire side Cumnock this Saturday.
Share