Bristol’s first Aviva Premiership match in seven years will be staged at Twickenham.
The Ashton Gate club will kickstart their top-flight return by taking on the 2012 Premiership winners Harlequins in the London double-header, on Saturday 3 September. Saracens, the reigning champions, will start their title defence in the other half of that London double bill, taking on Worcester Warriors.
“Seeing the fixtures really gets the juices flowing,� said the Bristol rugby director Andy Robinson. “We’re pleased to be involved in the London double-header on our first game back in the top flight, it’s always a day that provides entertaining, competitive rugby.�
Bristol’s keenly-anticipated Premiership return follows seven years battling to climb back to the top tier, following relegation in 2009. Robinson’s side will not have long to wait to host their first league match of the season at Ashton Gate, however, taking on Northampton Saints on Sunday 11 September.
“The key for us this season is to enjoy our rugby and embrace the challenges that await us,� said Robinson. “We’re looking forward to playing at a fantastic stadium in front of our supporters, who we know will travel in great numbers to Twickenham.�
A rerun of last season’s Premiership final between Exeter Chiefs and Saracens falls on 11 September, while Gloucester have the honour of hosting the first match of the season, taking on Leicester Tigers at Kingsholm on Friday 2 September.
Newcastle Falcons will entertain Sale Sharks on the opening weekend, with Northampton hosting Bath and Wasps taking on Exeter.
