Exeter Chiefs will open their Premiership existence with a home fixture against Gloucester on September 4. It is, in many ways, a fitting start since both their head coach, Rob Baxter, and their team manager, Robin Cowling, have close associations with Gloucester from their playing days.
The release of next season’s fixtures pointedly omits the title sponsor, which has been Guinness over the past five years but is expected to be LV=, the insurance company. The board of Premier Rugby is expected to finalise details when it meets on Tuesday and confirm a new agreement, involving both ESPN and Sky Sports, to televise 69 live matches next season.
Other dates given so far are those of the London double-header at Twickenham on September 4, when London Irish play Saracens and London Wasps meet Harlequins, and round 11, with all games held on Sunday, December 26.
Worcester Warriors, relegated last season, have confirmed that Luke Rooney will not join them from Toulon. Rooney will take up a two-year agreement with the Australian Rugby Union and play for Melbourne Rebels.