Fears rock-hard grounds caused by drought-like weather conditions may force a delayed start to the Hawke's Bay club rugby season have been alleviated.
While other provinces including Wairarapa are considering delayed starts, the Hawke's Bay Rugby Union's club competitions manager, Gary Macdonald, said yesterday everything was on track for the Bay's club season to begin on March 30 as scheduled.
"At the same time rain would be nice ... no question," Macdonald said.
Traditionally, Flaxmere's Ron Giorgi Park, Havelock North's Anderson Park and Bill Mathewson Park in Hastings have been the hardest and driest at the start of each season. However Macdonald said all three were in good condition thanks to good co-operation between the union, the Hastings District Council and clubs.
"Ron Giorgi is being watered and because Anderson Park and Bill Mathewson Park aren't being trained on they will be a lot better than in previous seasons when the season kicks off," Macdonald said.