THE RFU Northern League’s have undergone a major restructure during the summer months.

National League Three (North) has been replaced by North Premier while the Lancashire North division - which was only formed two seasons ago - has been disbanded.

It means Colne and Nelson, who played in that division last season, have moved to the Halbro Sale Sharks Division Three North where they will compete against Chorley, Burnley Seconds and Rossendale Thirds.

Clitheroe, who were promoted out of the Halbro League - formerly the Raging Bull North West League - were due to play in the now defunct Lancashire North.

However, due to the restructure, the Maroon and Ambers will now play in the Lancs/Cheshire North Division.

The 2017/18 season is scheduled to begin on Saturday, September 2.

Rossendale, who narrowly missed out on promotion to National League Two North last season after losing their promotion play-off against Sheffield, have a tough opening at Hull who finished one place below them in the table.

The first home game at Marl Pits comes the following weekend against Birkenhead Park.

Dale are also in the same division as Preston Grasshoppers who were relegated from National League Two. They host the Hoppers on Saturday, October 21.

Blackburn, who finished seventh in North One West last season, travel to relegated Stockport on the opening weekend before hosting Vale of Lune the following week.

Burnley, who were promoted from Lancashire North begin life in North Lancs/Cumbria with a home game against Hawcoat Park before travelling to Aldwinians.

Their first trip to Cumbria doesn’t come until they travel to Wigton on Saturday, October 21.

Fellow promoted side Clitheroe begin their Lancs/Cheshire North Division adventure with two home games against Garstang and Old Bedians before they are on the road to Eagle.

Colne and Nelson will have plenty of local derbies in Halbro Sale Sharks Division Three North and they kick off with a trip to Chorley.

On the same weekend, Rossendale Thirds host North West Mercenaries and Burnley Seconds travel to Carnforth.

Colne’s first home game of the campaign will be on Saturday, September 9 when Ormskirk Seconds visit.