Gallagher Premiership Rugby 2026/27 fixtures confirmed as champions Northampton kick off title defence

The fixtures for the 2026/27 Premiership Rugby season have been confirmed, with reigning champions Northampton Saints beginning their title defence at home against Newcastle Red Bulls on Friday, 25 September.

Northampton claimed their second Premiership title in three seasons after defeating Exeter Chiefs in June and will launch the new campaign under the Friday night lights at Franklin’s Gardens. Elsewhere on the opening weekend, Harlequins welcome Bath, Exeter host Gloucester, Sale Sharks take on Bristol Bears, while Leicester Tigers face Saracens in the weekend’s only Sunday fixture.

The season will conclude with the Premiership Rugby Final at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham on Saturday, 19^th June 2027, with the league schedule again shaped around the international calendar.

After five league rounds across the opening six weeks, Premiership Rugby will pause for four weeks during November to accommodate the Nations Championship. Domestic action resumes before another extended break in February and March for the Six Nations, with European fixtures also taking place throughout the winter.

The new campaign also marks the first season under English rugby’s revised league structure, with promotion and relegation officially removed as the competition moves towards a franchise-style model.

Several clubs will once again take Premiership fixtures to larger stadiums during the season. Harlequins return to Allianz Stadium for their traditional Big Game events, including the Premiership’s first-ever Monday night fixture against Northampton on 28 December before hosting Newcastle there later in the campaign.

Gloucester are also planning a return to Villa Park for their Slater Cup clash with Leicester Tigers, although the venue is yet to be confirmed, while Bristol will face Gloucester at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium in a West Country derby.

Premiership Rugby chief executive Simon Massie-Taylor believes the competition is entering an exciting new era.

“There’s huge momentum behind the Gallagher Prem heading into the new season, following a third consecutive sold-out final, significant international investment in our clubs, record broadcast audiences and soaring interest from younger fans,” he said.

“And following a landmark agreement to change our operating model earlier this year, we are well on the way with our plans to expand the league by the 2029/30 season.”

Opening weekend fixtures

Friday, 25 September

• Harlequins vs Bath (7:45pm)
• Northampton Saints vs Newcastle Red Bulls (7:45pm)

Saturday, 26 September

• Exeter Chiefs vs Gloucester (3:05pm)
• Sale Sharks vs Bristol Bears (5:30pm)

Sunday, 27 September

• Leicester Tigers vs Saracens (3:00pm)

Supporters looking to experience the biggest Premiership Rugby fixtures in style can secure official hospitality packages throughout the season, including premium seating, first-class dining and exclusive matchday experiences at some of the sport’s most iconic venues.