Reigning Aviva Premiership champions Saracens kick-off their season by playing London Wasps in the London double header at Twickenham.

Their opponents in that final, Leicester Tigers start at Welford Road against Exeter Chiefs as the Devon side embark upon their second season in the top flight.

Returning to the top division, Worcester Warriors begin their Premiership campaign at Sixways against Sale Sharks.

The only Sunday match sees Heineken Cup finalists Northampton Saints play Gloucester, the sides that finished fourth and third in the league last season.

The other half of the London double header sees London Irish play Challenge Cup Winners Harlequins and Sir Ian McGeechan takes his Bath team to Kingston Park to play Newcastle Falcons.

In addition to the fixtures being announced, the first eight rounds of televised matches have also been agreed.

Bath's first home match against Saracens features in round two, as does London Wasps match against Leicester Tigers, the two most successful clubs of the professional era.

Leicester Tigers' match against Saracens, a repeat of the last two finals will be in round four.

Worcester Warriors feature for the first time in round five when they play Northampton Saints at Sixways.

Some fixtures remain to be confirmed and fixtures are subject to change, either due to being selected for television coverage or for other reasons beyond the clubs' control.