Bears and Bath open new Premiership season
FIXTURES REVEALED: Newly-promoted Bristol Bears have been handed the honour of opening the Premiership season on August 31.
The Bears – who are back in the top flight after a one-year absence – will face local rivals Bath at Ashton Gate in the only match on the Friday.
Bristol Bears head coach Pat Lam said: “It’s great for us to be in the Premiership and everybody is relishing the opportunity to test themselves in a fantastic competition.
“Our vision is to inspire our community through rugby success and we are working tirelessly to achieve this through the way we represent ourselves on and off the field.
“To open the season against Bath – and to come up against Todd [Blackadder], a man I know and respect a huge amount – is really exciting and a major boost for our supporters too. We have no doubt they will fill Ashton Gate and create an incredible atmosphere.”
There is a mouth-watering double header on the Saturday, Gloucester Rugby v Northampton Saints and Exeter Chiefs hosting Leicester Tigers.
Champions Saracens have to wait until the final day of the weekend to kick off the defence of their title against beaten semifinalists Newcastle Falcons.
“We are all excited about the upcoming season and the Gallagher Premiership Rugby fixtures coming out certainly adds to the anticipation,” said Mark McCall, Saracens Director of Rugby.
“Everyone understands the amount of work which needs to be put in over the coming months to ensure we are ready for the challenge ahead.”
The closure of Twickenham Stadium in September – for redevelopment work – means there will be no London Double Header this year.
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