Enticing Derbies headline new Premiership season
NEWS: Premiership Rugby announced a blockbuster calendar of derbies and big games for the 2023/24 Premiership season.
A brand-new and highly-anticipated ‘Derby Weekend’ in Round Six (November 17-19) will supercharge the matchday experience for all.
The festival of rugby starts in the North with Sale Sharks v Newcastle Falcons as well as Bath v Bristol Bears - both on Friday.
The battle for the East Midlands and capital then takes centre stage on Saturday with Leicester Tigers and Northampton Saints - before Harlequins face London rivals Saracens later.
The Derby Weekend culminates on Sunday with Exeter Chiefs’ clash with Gloucester.
The unmissable, world-class sporting entertainment begins on Friday, October 13 with a huge clash between Bristol Bears and Leicester Tigers at Ashton Gate.
Premiership Rugby champions Saracens kick off with a trip to Exeter Chiefs on Saturday, October 14.
The revamped schedule ensures that all clubs have one home fixture in the opening two weeks of the season.
Clubs will also have one home fixture over Rounds nine and 10 during the Christmas period so families can enjoy games together.
Showpiece games remain at the heart of the Premiership Rugby calendar, with a new mouth-watering fixture set to be announced imminently.
Saracens host London rivals Harlequins at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in March for ‘The Showdown 4’, following a break of league action during the Six Nations.
Harlequins’ cult-classic ‘Big Game’ series returns to the festive period when they welcome Gloucester to Twickenham Stadium on Saturday, December 30.
And Northampton Saints head to HQ for the ‘Big Summer Kick-off’ against Quins in April.
Simon Massie-Taylor, Chief Executive Officer at Premiership said: “It is always an exciting day in the sporting calendar and I know that our dedicated Premiership Rugby fans, players and clubs are counting down the days until the big kick-off.
“We look forward to delivering unmissable, world-class sporting entertainment together, following such a closely-fought league last season, which included a record-breaking seven tries per game average."
Rob Calder, Chief Growth Officer at Premiership Rugby, added: “A lot of work has gone into optimising the 2023-24 calendar to make sure that Premiership Rugby is the beating heart of the English game.
“The new Derby Weekend in Round Six brings added interest off the back of Rugby World Cup 2023 in France and helps create a transformative moment for players and fans.
"And we are thrilled that supporters of every club will be able to enjoy a home fixture within the opening two rounds of the season as well as spend Christmas together as families at a game.
“We are also working hard behind the scenes to bring new, innovative and exciting features to the shape of the season both on and off the pitch.”