With only four clubs fielding first grade outfits this season, Waratahs, Wagga City, CSU and Tumut, there was an option to only play two full rounds before the grand final on September 26.

However a three-round draw was installed on Monday evening, moving the first grade competition start date to July 18.

Rugby manager Jack Heffernan was happy to change plans with clubs not pleased with more byes required for the first grade draw to better align with second grade and women's competitions.

"The draft before hand was nine weeks with three weeks off," Heffernan said.

"It was difficult for clubs that sometimes there was two weeks off in a row, one club had the first two weeks off and they weren't exactly happy with it.

"One of the clubs came to us with a proposal around three rounds and the other clubs jumped on board with that.

"They are happy with the way it looks at the moment and that is the way it is going to be."

The seven-team second grade and women's competitions will still play one full round with the season to start on July 25.

Heffernan doesn't believe the staggered start will have a big impact.

"An extra week before hand probably doesn't hurt the first grade players who have been training flat out during this period," he said.

"They will be ready at any time and will be excited to get back into contact (training) this week to top off their conditioning."

Wagga City takes on CSU in the first round while premiers Waratahs travel to take on Tumut.

The season is spread over 10 weeks to allow each club to have a bye.

All three grand finals will be played on September 26.

While the larger women's and second grade competitions have a finals series over three weeks only the top two first grade sides will meet in the grand final.

"We go straight into the grand final with the top two," Heffernan said.

"They will have already played each other three times and I'm sure it could be quite clear which teams are the top two teams in the end."

Meanwhile Southern Inland has ratified a draw for a non-competitive season for juniors.

Six gala days will be held throughout the season with all 11 clubs set to take part.

The season will start on July 26. Other rounds will be held on August 2, 16 and 30 as well as September 13 and 20.

Heffernan believes introducing a non-competitive season will allow all participants to go out and focus on participation and enjoyment, rather than results.

"It's to push participation and enjoyment for this year," Heffernan said.

"It also helps we don't have to send clubs further away than we would like to balance the draws out.

"We can limit travel this year to help those families who have gone through a tough time, like all of us."

Venues and draws are still to be determined however half gala days, or even third and quarter gala days, will be introduced to start the season.

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