Start of rugby union season has been delayed nationwide although rain has eased concerns over hard pitches

Vale of Lune RUFC have seen the start of their season put back two weeks following a Rugby Football Union ruling.

The hot summer and lack of rain raised concerns over hard pitches, prompting the RFU to delay the start of all competitive leagues below national level until after Monday, September 21.

It means the Vale will start their Regional One North West campaign with a visit to Rochdale on Saturday 26 and won't play at home until October. Their first visitors will be Leek on Saturday 3.

The Lancaster club had been scheduled to start the season with home games against former National League outfit Rossendale on September 12 and Anselmians a week later.

The latter has been rescheduled for October 10 and the Rossendale match for December 19.

The Vale will play warm-up games away to Penrith this Saturday and Rochdale a week later as friendlies are allowed under the ruling.

Changes in the weather, particularly in the north, left the RFU open to criticism that its nationwide ruling was premature and unnecessary.

Vale of Lune told the Guardian: "The RFU decision to delay the start of the season was made in the interests of players' safety. Whilst we are in support of this principle, opinion across the rugby clubs is divided on its effectiveness. Some regions have damper weather and the pitches are safe to play on."

The RFU decision was taken in mid-August, when the governing body stated that: "With no meaningful or lengthy spells of rain currently forecast, these ground conditions are not expected to improve significantly in the short term."

It added that the nationwide decision had been made "to give everyone certainty now."

The Vale Vikings team are set to host Skipton in a friendly this Saturday.