The start day was locked in on Friday afternoon and is in line with the ACT governments easing of sporting restrictions. Contact sports will be free start competitions from July 10, but most of the major sports in Canberra are targeting a July 18 beginning.

Contact training started this week for the first time since March and ACT Rugby officials wanted to give players a month of physical work before round one.

Brumbies community rugby manager Craig Leseberg said: "We're excited about returning here in the ACT and our surrounding regions.

"Our clubs have been fantastic in sticking to the set protocols, which has allowed us to take the next step in getting our competitions up and running.

"For rugby to continue and for us to see games being played every weekend in 2020, we all have to do our bit and continue to follow the guidelines to make sure everyone involved is safe; players, coaches and all of our wonderful volunteers.

"We're continuing to work with government officials both locally and nationally, as well as Rugby Australia, and we look forward to confirming each competition's draw in the near future."

Six of the seven premier division clubs are expected to fulfill all playing commitments, but foundation club Easts will drop out of first grade after struggling to build player numbers.