Northampton Saints to begin Premiership title defence with blockbuster clash against Bath – in repeat of last month’s memorable final, as full fixtures are revealed
- Phil Dowson’s team won 25-21 in the spectacle at Twickenham last month
- Bristol’s first ‘Big Day Out’ at Principality Stadium is on the weekend of May 10-12
Northampton will defend their Premiership title with a repeat of last season’s final, with the new season kicking off with a clash between the Saints and Bath at The Rec on Friday 20th September.
Phil Dowson’s champions claimed the coveted national trophy with a dramatic 25-21 victory in the tournament highlight at Twickenham last month.
But Bath will have an immediate chance to exact revenge on their home turf as the competition resumes under supervision with a key round 10 clash between Finn Russell and Fin Smith.
Fixtures for the 2024-25 season have been announced, with Bristol’s first ‘Big Day Out’ at the 74,500 capacity Principality Stadium set to take place on the weekend of 10-12 May. The West Country derby is expected to draw a large crowd just over the border in Cardiff.
This major event is just one of several major competitions taking place in huge arenas.
Harlequins begin their title defence against Bath in what will be a repeat of June’s final
Finn Russell’s Bath side will be looking to make up for what they lost to Northampton in the 2024 final
Bristol’s first ‘Big Day Out’ at the 74,500 capacity Principality Stadium (pictured) will take place on the weekend of May 10-12
For the 16th year in a row, Harlequins will play their Big Game at Twickenham on December 28, this time facing Leicester.
With the Tigers undoubtedly bringing an army of loyal supporters to south-west London, there is a good chance the stadium will sell out.
Quins also return to the national stadium to take on Gloucester on the weekend of May 10-12 for their Big Summer Kick-off, while Saracens once again take on their capital rivals at Tottenham Stadium on March 22.
The corresponding match last season produced a striking difference, with the ‘home’ team winning 52-7.
For the first time, all Premier League matches will be broadcast live on TNT Sports and Discovery+, as the new season promises fresh excitement and thrills at both ends of the table.
The club that finishes at the bottom plays a promotion/relegation play-off against the winner of the championship. For this, the top club in the second division must meet the criteria for promotion.
Harlequins play their Big Game at Twickenham, on December 28 against Leicester. Last year’s Big Game was against Gloucester (pictured)
Newcastle Falcons (pictured in November) lost every league game last season
Newcastle’s final match is against Leicester, who now have Michael Cheika (pictured) as coach, as the final round matches all kick off at the same time on May 31.
Newcastle lost every league game last season and Steve Diamond’s side will be keen to get the new season off to a good start against Bristol on opening night at Kingston Park.
Their final match is at Leicester, now under the management of Michael Cheika, with the final matches all starting on 31 May, a day with high stakes.