Fiery Bath baptism for van Graan as Premiership fixtures released

New Bath boss Johann van Graan will get an immediate taste of the hype surrounding the Gallagher Premiership as last season’s bottom place team will visit neighbours Bristol when the new 2022/23 season opens on September 9 at Ashton Gate. The South African has been recruited from Munster to try and revive the English club that continued to struggle during its recent years with Stuart Hooper as director of rugby - and he has now been handed an away day baptism of fire.    

"The Premiership fixtures announcement always generates excitement amongst players, coaches, and supporters - I am sure everyone is looking forward to what lies ahead,” said van Graan, who was appointed incoming Bath boss last December.

"We are relishing the opportunity to open the season with a local derby before back-to-back home matches at The Rec where I know we will be well-supported. Before then, there is a lot of hard work to be done by everyone at the club and we will continue to build towards that first round."

It was three years ago when Bristol versus Bath was previously the opening fixture for a new Premiership season, more than 26,000 fans packing into Ashton Gate to see the Bears win 43-16, and Pat Lam can’t wait to get started this time around with van Grann now at the helm of the opposition. 

"Kicking off the season against Bath is fantastic for both sets of supporters and we are really excited for another big night at Ashton Gate," said Lam. "Our last two derbies on the opening night of the season have sold out, and we know our community will get behind us again on September 9. It’s a Friday night, live on BT Sport, and everyone at the club - staff, and players - are already relishing the occasion."

Also on the opening night, it is fourth versus sixth from last season as Sale Sharks welcome Northampton Saints to Salford, while defending champions Leicester will open their title defence the following day away to Exeter. Beaten finalists Saracens have a bye in the opening round. Tigers boss Steve Borthwick said: "We are very excited for the new Gallagher Premiership Rugby season and the challenges that come with being a part of one of rugby’s most competitive leagues. 

“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."

Gallagher Premiership Rugby Round One

Friday, September 9

Bristol Bears v Bath Rugby - BT Sport

Sale Sharks v Northampton Saints - PRTV Live

Saturday, September 10

Exeter Chiefs v Leicester Tigers - BT Sport

London Irish v Worcester Warriors - PRTV Live

Newcastle Falcons v Harlequins - PRTV Live

Sunday, September 11

Gloucester Rugby v Wasps - BT Sport

Gallagher Premiership Rugby Round Two

Friday, September 16

Northampton Saints v London Irish - BT Sport

Saturday, September 17

Bath Rugby v Sale Sharks - PRTV Live

Harlequins v Saracens - BT Sport

Leicester Tigers v Newcastle Falcon - PRTV Live

Wasps v Bristol Bears - PRTV Live

Sunday, September 18

Worcester Warriors v Exeter Chiefs - BT Sport

• Click here to see all the Gallagher Premiership Rugby fixtures