Premiership clubs will have to contend with three rounds of midweek matches to ensure the season can be finished by the end of October.
Standard Sport understands three midweek slots have been pencilled in for top-flight clubs on the weeks commencing August 24, September 7 and September 21.
The current aim is for the Premiership final to be on October 24, and three rounds of midweek matches ensure that can happen.
Like the rest of sport in England, rugby was shut down in March due to the outbreak of coronavirus.
Given the increased contact time involved in the sport, rugby clubs have been slow to get back into full training.
Many clubs, however, are returning to contact training today as the Premiership moves a step closer towards its return.
The current plan is for matches to begin in the middle of August and players are working towards that date in earnest.
