Premiership: Fixtures announced as Saracens start title defence against Worcester

Saracens will start their Premiership title defence against Worcester in the London double header on September 3.

Mark McCall's men, reigning champions of the Premiership and Europe, will be out to set their marker early against a Warriors side still searching for a head coach following Dean Ryan's departure. 

Newcomers Bristol are also in action at Twickenham for the double header, playing their first Aviva Premiership match in seven years against the 2012 champions Harlequins.

Director of rugby Andy Robinson says Bristol are raring to go.

"Seeing the fixtures really gets the juices flowing," said Robinson.

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"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-flight, 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 September 11.

"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 re-run of last term's Premiership final between Exeter Chiefs and Saracens also falls on September 11.

Gloucester will take the honour of hosting the first Premiership match of the league season, taking on Leicester Tigers at Kingsholm on Friday, September 2.

Elsewhere, Newcastle Falcons will entertain Sale Sharks on the opening weekend, with Northampton hosting Bath and Wasps taking on Exeter at the Ricoh Arena in the final encounter of the opening round.

First-round fixtures

Friday, September 2: 

7.45pm - Gloucester v Leicester Tigers (Kingsholm)

8pm - Newcastle Falcons v Sale Sharks (Kingston Park)

Saturday, September 3: 

2pm - Saracens v Worcester Warriors (Twickenham Stadium)

3.30pm - Northampton Saints v Bath Rugby (Franklin's Gardens)

4.30pm - Harlequins v Bristol (Twickenham Stadium)

Sunday, September 4:

3pm - Wasps v Exeter Chiefs (Ricoh Arena)