Newcastle first up as Saints begin defence

NORTHAMPTON Saints will begin the defence of their Prem Rugby title at home to Newcastle Red Bulls when the 2026/27 campaign gets under way on Friday, September 25.

nBy BEN JAYCOCK

The opening night features a double-header, with Harlequins hosting Bath at The Stoop alongside Saints’ first outing since lifting the trophy with a 26-17 victory over Exeter Chiefs in June.

The Chiefs start their campaign against Gloucester before Sale Sharks welcome Bristol Bears, while Leicester Tigers entertain Saracens in the standout fixture of the opening weekend.

Simon Massie-Taylor, Prem Rugby CEO, said: “There’s huge momentum behind the Gallagher Prem heading into the new season, following a third consecutive sold-out final, significant international investment in our clubs, record broadcast audiences and soaring interest from younger fans.

“The fixture release is the moment supporters can start looking towards the season ahead – circling local derbies in calendars, planning away days and counting down to the return of the league.”

Round four brings the return of Derby Weekend as Gloucester host West Country rivals Bath at Kingsholm, Sale travel north to face Newcastle, Leicester welcome Northampton in the East Midlands derby, Bristol take on Exeter at Ashton Gate and Harlequins host Saracens in the London derby at The Stoop.

Party time: Northampton celebrate at Twickenham

PICTURE: Getty Images

Supporters will have to wait until round seven for a repeat of last season’s Premiership final, when Northampton welcome Exeter to Franklin’s Gardens on December 19. The return fixture at Sandy Park follows in round 11 on the weekend of March 20.

The festive programme again features several eye-catching occasions, including Harlequins’ annual Big Game at Allianz

Stadium, Twickenham against Northampton on Monday, December 28. Quins will also take Newcastle Red Bulls to Twickenham for their Summer Kick-Off later in the season, while Bristol Bears return to the Principality Stadium in Cardiff for their Big Day Out against Gloucester in Round 13. Saracens’ annual Showdown will see them face Harlequins at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in round 11.

The run-in offers several heavyweight encounters as clubs battle for the four play-off places.

Round 17 includes a West Country derby between Bristol and Bath at Ashton Gate, while Exeter host Leicester. On the final weekend of the regular season, Bath welcome Saracens to The Rec, Gloucester host Exeter, Quins go to Leicester, Sale host Newcastle, and Northampton face Bristol in a repeat of last season’s 94-33 thriller.

The semi-finals are scheduled for the weekend of June 12 before the Prem final returns to Twickenham on Saturday, June 19.