London Irish start the new campaign where they finished the last one, with Twickenham hosting their 'away' match against Saracens.

The Exiles were toppled 10-9 by Leicester in the Premiership final last month but must wait until mid-October to avenge that defeat.

Wasps are the home team against Harlequins as the London double-header enters a fifth successive year, with 25,000 already sold for the event.

New Gloucester coach Bryan Redpath has been handed a west-country derby against Bath at Kingsholm for his first match in charge, while Leeds host northern rivals Newcastle.

Reigning champions Leicester open their title defence against Sale, who are under the new coaching partnership of Kingsley Jones and Jason Robinson.

Worcester's trip to Northampton completes the opening round of fixtures, to be staged on the first weekend of September.

Each club has one home match over the Christmas and new year period, with the regular season concluding on May 8 and the final scheduled for May 29.

Premier Rugby's commercial director Jon Varney said: "The 2009/10 season has a lot to live up to, with last season acknowledged as being our most successful to date.

"I know a few of the clubs have plans to take big matches away from their usual venues - which I am sure they will announce in due course."