Tigers begin defence of their title with tough trip to Exeter
LEICESTER Tigers’ Gallagher Premiership title defence will begin with a tough away trip to Exeter Chiefs.
The champions will travel to Sandy Park in round one of the new season on Saturday, September 10 for a match being screened live by BT Sport.
Tigers head coach Steve Borthwick said: “Kicking off our campaign away from home against a quality outfit like Exeter Chiefs will be a great opportunity to test ourselves from the opening round against a side of their calibre, before being back at Mattioli Woods Welford Road with all of our supporters in the second round for an exciting clash with Newcastle Falcons.”
Tigers fans’ first chance to see the defending champions at Mattioli Woods Welford Road comes on Saturday, September 17 when Newcastle Falcons are the visitors.
The opening month of the new campaign concludes with an East Midlands derby at Franklin’s Gardens against Northampton Saints, followed by another away trip to Saracens in round four.
There will be a Sunday match at Mattioli Woods Welford Road on October 23 when Wasps make the short journey across the Midlands.
Tigers’ first bye week comes in round eight. The closest home game to Christmas will
be across the period of December
FALCONS WILL VISIT CHAMPS IN FIRST HOME LEAGUE MATCH
23-27 at home against Gloucester.
TIGERS’ FIRST 10 FIXTURES...
R1: Saturday, September 10 (3pm) v Exeter Chiefs (A)
R2: Saturday, September 17 (3pm) v Newcastle Falcons (H)
R3: Saturday, September 24 (3pm) v Northampton Saints (A)
R4: Saturday, October 1 (3pm) v Saracens (A)
R5: Saturday, October 8 (3pm) v Sale Sharks (H)
R6: Sunday, October 16 (3pm) v Harlequins (A)
R7: Sunday, October 23 (3pm) v Wasps (H)
R8: BYE
R9: Saturday, November 5 (3pm) v Worcester Warriors (H)
R10: Friday, November 11 (7.45pm) v Bath (A)
For a second season running, Tigers have been drawn in the same Premiership Rugby Cup pool as Wasps, Sale Sharks and Newcastle Falcons.
Tigers travel to Sale in Round 1 on Tuesday, September 20, host Wasps on September 27/28 and welcome Newcastle on October 18/19.
Round four sees Tigers travel to Saracens on November 18/19/20.