Guinness Prem fixtures announced
by Nick Royle, 04 July 2008
Gloucester and Leicester face each other at Kingsholm in the pick of the opening weekend fixtures of the 2008-09 Guinness Premiership season.
London Irish face Guinness Premiership champions Wasps and Saracens face Harlequins in the double-header at Twickenham, whilst there is a West Country derby between Bristol and European Challenge Cup winners Bath.
Newcastle take on Sale Sharks, whilst newly-promoted Northampton Saints play European Challenge Cup finalists Worcester at home.
The opening round of fixtures takes place on 5-7 September.
This season's Guinness Premiership final has been confirmed for May 16, 2009, to avoid any clash with the opening fixture of the British and Irish Lions Tour to South Africa.
Lions tour manager Gerald Davies was grateful to the Guinness Premiership for the accommodation: "I'm delighted that this issue has been resolved well ahead of the next season thanks to many people's efforts over the last few weeks.
"I'd like to express my particular thanks on behalf of the Lions to the English clubs for their gesture in agreeing to stage the Guinness Premiership Final on May 16 and to the RFU for helping to facilitate this. It will allow selected players to join up with the Lions in good time for the opening match of the tour.
"It has not been easy to resolve but with the help of all parties we have done so. We can now look forward to another fantastic season ahead for the Guinness Premiership and to the added battle for selection to the Lions' tour."