London Irish will kick-off the 2017/18 Aviva Premiership season against Harlequins in the traditional London Double Header on Saturday 2 September (kick-off 4.30pm).

The Exiles take on rivals Quins following the conclusion of Saracens versus Northampton Saints, which will form the first part of a rugby blockbuster at the home of English rugby.

Irish’s first away trip of the season sees them taking on reigning Aviva Premiership champions Exeter Chiefs at Sandy Park on Saturday 9 September.

A trip to Sale Sharks’ AJ Bell Stadium beckons for Nick Kennedy’s men a week later, before they host Northampton Saints at the Madejski Stadium on Sunday 24 September.

Irish round off the month of September away to Dean Richards’ Newcastle Falcons live on BT Sport, with Leicester Tigers the visitors to Reading the following weekend.

European Rugby Champions Cup winners Saracens welcome the Exiles to Allianz Park on Saturday 28 October. Then during the November internationals, the Exiles host Bath and Wasps, with the festive programme delivering a trip to Worcester Warriors on Saturday 23 December before the visit of Newcastle to the Madejski on Saturday 30 December.

The traditional St Patrick's Party takes place on Saturday 24 March (kick-off 3pm) as Gloucester Rugby travel to the Madejski Stadium for what promises to be a pulsating encounter. 

Irish end the campaign away to Bath on Saturday 5 May.

London Irish Director of Rugby Nick Kennedy and club record try-scorer Topsy Ojo were on hand at the BT Tower to give their reaction to the fixture announcement at the fixture launch.

“Fixture release day is always exciting,” said London Irish Director of Rugby Nick Kennedy.

“We’re delighted to be involved in the London Double Header first up, an event which gives us a great platform to kick-off the new season at Twickenham Stadium. London Irish and Harlequins have had some fantastic battles over the years, and we’re all looking forward to taking them on at the home of English rugby.

“The Aviva Premiership is going to be very competitive this season and we are relishing the challenge of going toe to toe with the other 11 Premiership clubs. To play in these huge games week in, week out is what we strived for throughout last season.

“The lads are working extremely hard ahead of what promises to be an exciting season against some of the best players in the world. We’ve added a series of new signings to the talent that we already have in place and they are settling in very well.”

Click here to view the full list of 2017/18 Aviva Premiership fixtures.

Rounds 11 to 12 are subject to change and will be confirmed at the beginning of October. 

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