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| Guinness Premiership season 2008-09 fixtures announced |
| 4 July 2008, 10:10 am |
| By Jonathan McConnell |
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| The fixtures for the new Guinness Premiership season have been released and the opening weekend sees some mouth-watering clashes to get the season underway. Last season's Guinness Premiership semi-finalists Gloucester Rugby and Leicester Tigers meet at Kingsholm three and a half months after Andy Goode ended the cherry and whites' title challenge with his late dropped goal. |
A few miles further south, Bristol Rugby begin their third successive Guinness Premiership season with a West Country derby match against European Challenge Cup winners Bath Rugby, and newly promoted Northampton Saints kick off with a home match against European Challenge Cup finalists Worcester Warriors.
In the capital, the four London clubs will be vying for early season bragging rights as the fifth London Double Header takes place at Twickenham, with last season's Heineken Cup semi-finalists London Irish facing the reigning Guinness Premiership Champions London Wasps. Fellow Heineken Cup semi-finalists Saracens will play in the other match against last year's sixth placed team, Harlequins.
In the other round one match, Newcastle Falcons start their first Guinness Premiership season under Steve Bates with a home match against Sale Sharks.
At the other end of the season, the Guinness Premiership Final is confirmed for 16th May 2009. This will avoid any clash with the date of the opening fixture of the British & Irish Lions Tour to South Africa.
Gerald Davies, Tour Manager of the British & Irish Lions, said "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 16th May, 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."
Click here for the complete fixture list. |
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