Bears get their first four match dates for Premiership return

BRISTOL Bears will recommence their Premiership title ambitions on August 15 with a behind-closeddoors clash against reigning champions Saracens at Ashton Gate.

Premiership Rugby has released the first four of nine matchdays to complete the 2019-20 season following the Covid-19 pandemic which has left professional rugby on shutdown since mid-March.

The Bears welcome Saracans to BS3 on Saturday, August 15, with kick-off times and broadcast arrangements still to be confirmed, with games then following against Gloucester at Kingsholm (Friday, August 21), home to Exeter (Tuesday, August 26) and then a trip to Sale Sharks (Saturday, August 29).

Fixtures are subject to change and all matches will be played behind closed doors with precise kick-off times and TV arrangements to be confirmed.

The Bears are third in the Gallagher Premiership and look set for at least a place in the Champions Cup but providing they get off to a positive start, that match against table-toppers Exeter could determine whether or not they can be considered bona-fide title contenders.

“It’s another positive step towards a season restart with the confirmation of August’s fixtures,” said chief executive Mark Tainton.

“With regards to matchday ticket and season card information, we’re incredibly grateful to our fantastic supporters for their continued patience and understanding.

“Protocols around Covid-19 are a fast-changing situation, so we await clarity about when we will be able to host a number of supporters at home fixtures in a safe and responsible manner. We are ready to welcome fans back as soon as Government guidance deems it is safe to do so.

“The team at Ashton Gate has been tremendous and the club are liaising with internal and external stakeholders on a daily basis.”

The Bristol Post understands the reason behind only releasing the opening four fixtures is down to BT Sports planning, as results over that period could then shape kick-off times of the more appealing fixtures heading into September.

There is also the provision that supporters may be permitted to return before the campaign concludes, subject to social distancing and various protocols, with football already planning for fans to attend matches, albeit in reduced numbers, for early September.