Fixtures for 2021/22 season of Gallagher Premiership announced
Saracens will face Bristol Bears in the opening game of the 2021/22 Gallagher Premiership season
©PA
Saracens will mark their return back to the Gallagher Premiership with a clash against Bristol Bears at Ashton Gate on 17th September in the opening fixture of the 2021/22 season.
Having won the competition five times, Mark McCall's men faced relegation at the end of the 2019/20 season following a series of salary cap breaches but following a successful Championship last season, they now are part of the 13-team first tier competition.
“As a club, we are obviously looking forward to the new season and what lies ahead. Playing at Ashton Gate first up will be a great challenge but one our group will relish," said McCall.
Bristol were the table toppers last season before their campaign came to an end with a semi-final defeat against the eventual champions Harlequins.
Bristol Bears director of rugby Pat Lam is thrilled to open their campaign with Saracens.
“It’s great that Bristol Bears will host the competition curtain-raiser and better still that we will have fans back at the stadium again. Having the opportunity to welcome Saracens back into the Gallagher Premiership will be a fantastic spectacle for our fans and BT Sport’s audience too.
“A capacity crowd at Ashton Gate, under the lights on a Friday night, always creates one of the best atmospheres in the country so we’re excited about getting underway.”
Last season's finalist Exeter Chiefs will visit Mattioli Woods Welford Road to take on Leicester Tigers on 18th September while Northampton Saints will host Gloucester Rugby on the same day at Franklin's Gardens.
Sale Sharks and Worcester Warriors will also have their home games on 18th September with clashes against Bath Rugby and London Irish respectively.
The final game of the opening round will see Newcastle Falcons locking horns with champions Harlequins at Kingston Park on 19th September. With the competition expanding to 13 teams, Wasps will not have a fixture in the first round and will play their first game on 25th September against Bristol at Ricoh Arena.
For Full Fixtures click here.
