The Tamworth Pirates have suffered a pre-season blow, with three star Scottish Imports unable to renew visas for the 2009 season.
Steve Adair, Cameron Taylor and Johnny McClung will leave Australian shores in March, just weeks shy of the Pirates round-one clash against Scone.
Meanwhile, New England Rugby has announced its 2009 draw, and there are major changes to the format.
The third grade competition has been scratched, but clubs are allowed to field multiple second grade sides.
The six-club first-grade league will be played over three rounds with no byes.
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