Exeter face Gloucester

Exeter will begin their maiden Premiership campaign with a home match against South West rivals Gloucester.

Eurosport

Image credit: TNT Sports

After facing Bryan Redpath’s team at Sandy Park, the newly-promoted Chiefs face a trip to Welford Road to play the reigning champions Leicester in round two.

Leicester make the short trip to Franklin’s Gardens on the opening weekend to play local rivals Northampton in a match between the top two sides in last season's standings.

The clash could pit two young stars of England's summer tour against each other, with Tigers scrum-half Ben Youngs and Saints wing Chris Ashton both likely to be in action.

Premiership

Samoan banned for Twitter outburst

08/11/2011 at 02:34

The seventh London Double Header ensures more derbies in round one, with London Irish playing Premiership finalists Saracens and 2007/8 champions Wasps facing Harlequins.

Leeds kick off their season against Bath at Headingley, while two head coaches just beginning their Premiership careers meet at Edgeley Park when Mike Brewer’s Sale take on Alan Tait’s Newcastle.

PREMIERSHIP - Round 1 (Sept 4, 2010)

Exeter v Gloucester

Leeds v Bath

London Irish v Saracens

Wasps v Harlequins

Northampton v Leicester

Sale v Newcastle

PREMIERSHIP - Round 2 (Sept 11, 2010)

Bath v London Irish

Gloucester v Leeds

Harlequins v Northampton

Leicester v Exeter