Champions Northampton host Newcastle in opening Prem match
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 28, 2026, 7:35 AM
Last updated Jul 28, 2026
Northampton Saints will open the 2026-27 Premiership season by hosting Newcastle Red Bulls on Friday, 25 September. The Saints, who claimed their third title in June, face a challenging opponent after defeating Exeter to lift the trophy for the second time in three seasons. Other opening weekend matchups include Exeter against Gloucester and Harlequins taking on Bath. The league will implement a series of breaks around international fixtures, and promotion and relegation have been officially scrapped, marking a significant change in the league's structure.
- •Northampton won the Premiership title in June 2026.
- •Exeter plays Gloucester on the same opening weekend.
- •Promotion and relegation have been abolished from the league.
- •The 2026-27 Premiership final is scheduled for 19 June 2027.
- •Season breaks will occur around the Nations Championship and Six Nations.
- 7:35 AMYahoo Sports — Champions Saints host Newcastle on opening weekend
- 7:35 AMBBC Sport — Champions Northampton to open Prem season against Newcastle
"Prem champions Northampton host Newcastle on the opening weekend of the 2026-27 season, with Exeter at home to Gloucester.
"Prem champions Northampton host Newcastle on the opening weekend of the 2026-27 season, with Exeter at home to Gloucester.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJul 28, 2026, 7:35 AMChampions Saints host Newcastle on opening weekend
Prem champions Northampton host Newcastle on the opening weekend of the 2026-27 season, with Exeter at home to Gloucester.
- BBC SportJul 28, 2026, 7:35 AMChampions Northampton to open Prem season against Newcastle
Prem champions Northampton host Newcastle on the opening weekend of the 2026-27 season, with Exeter at home to Gloucester.
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