‘Derby Weekend’ added to 2023/24 Gallagher Premiership fixture list

‘Derby Weekend’ added to 2023/24 Gallagher Premiership fixture list

18 July 2023

Press Releases

New ‘Derby Weekend’ and blockbusting big games launched for the 2023/24 Gallagher Premiership Rugby Season

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Premiership Rugby is delighted to announce a blockbuster calendar of derbies and big games for the 2023/24 Gallagher Premiership Rugby season.

A brand-new and highly-anticipated ‘Derby Weekend’ in Round 6 (November 17-19) will super-charge the matchday experience for all.

The festival of rugby starts in the North with Sale Sharks v Newcastle Falcons as well as Bath v Bristol Bears - both on the Friday night.

The battle for the East Midlands and capital bragging rights then takes centre stage on Saturday with Leicester Tigers and Northampton Saints before Harlequins face London rivals Saracens later that evening.

The Derby Weekend culminates on the Sunday with Exeter Chiefs’ clash with Gloucester.

And to bring all fans closer to the action in the most-accessible yet, four of those five derby matches will also be broadcast live on TNT Sports.

TNT Sports goes live today throughout the UK and Republic of Ireland, replacing BT Sport.

Broadcasting multiple matches per week, TNT Sports rugby coverage will feature Orla Chennaoui, with Craig Doyle continuing to host live match coverage and Ugo Monye taking on an extended role that will see him add presenting roles alongside punditry.

The voices of rugby on TNT Sports will include commentators Alastair Eykyn and Nick Mullins.

Highlights of all 90 regular season games will be on ITV, as well as seven full free-to-air fixtures and the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Final.

The unmissable, world-class sporting entertainment begins on Friday, October 13 with a huge clash between Bristol Bears and Leicester Tigers at Ashton Gate, live on TNT Sports (7.45pm).

Gallagher Premiership Rugby champions Saracens kick-off with a trip to Exeter Chiefs on Saturday, October 14 – also on TNT Sports (1.30pm).

The revamped schedule ensures that all clubs have one home fixture in the opening two weeks of the season.

Clubs will also have one home fixture over Rounds 9 and 10 during the Christmas period so families can enjoy games together.

Showpiece games remain at the heart of the Premiership Rugby calendar, with a new mouth-watering fixture set to be announced imminently.

Saracens host London rivals Harlequins at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in March for ‘The Showdown 4’, following a break of league action during the Guinness Six Nations.

Harlequins’ cult-classic ‘Big Game’ series returns to the festive period where they welcome Gloucester Rugby to Twickenham Stadium on Saturday, December 30 (5.30pm).

And Northampton Saints head to HQ for the ‘Big Summer Kick-off’ against Quins in April.

To view all fixtures, click here:

Simon Massie-Taylor, Chief Executive Officer at Premiership Rugby said: “Today is always an exciting day in the sporting calendar and I know that our dedicated Gallagher Premiership Rugby fans, players and clubs are counting down until the big kick-off.

“It’s great to welcome our new-look broadcast partner TNT Sports in their debut season under their new brand.

“And we look forward to delivering unmissable world-class sporting entertainment together, following such a closely-fought league last season, which included a record-breaking seven tries per game average.

“I’m also delighted that for the first time in our history we are announcing our TNT Sports games until January – allowing clubs and fans to plan the season ahead.”

Rob Calder, Chief Growth Officer at Premiership Rugby, added: “A lot of work has gone into optimising the 2023-24 calendar to make sure that Gallagher Premiership Rugby is the beating heart of the English game.

“The new Derby Weekend in Round 6 brings added interest off the back of Rugby World Cup 2023 in France and helps create a transformative moment for players and fans.

“And we are thrilled that supporters of every club will be able to enjoy a home fixture within the opening two rounds of the season as well as spend Christmas together as families at a game.

“We are also working hard behind-the-scenes to bring new, innovative and exciting features to help shape the season both on and off the pitch.”

Simon Matson, CEO of Gallagher’s broking and underwriting businesses in Europe, Middle East & Asia, said: “This is a really big year for rugby, and with excitement building around the game, it’s fantastic to get dates in the diary for the 2023/24 Gallagher Premiership Rugby season.

“This year is the sixth season with Gallagher as title partner. Through the partnership we aim to support and celebrate rugby heroes across the country from grassroots to international level, and to help protect the players, the clubs and the communities involved in the game by providing specialist insurance broking and risk management services.

“We are very much looking forward to getting the season underway and are counting down to the big opening game on Friday, October 13 in Bristol.”