Leicester coach Richard Cockerill with the Guinness Premiership trophy

Champions Leicester will launch their 2009/10 Guinness Premiership title defence against Sale on the first weekend of September.

The opening series of fixtures is dominated by the traditional London double-header at Twickenham.

Saracens will face last season's beaten play-off finalists London Irish with Wasps tackling Harlequins.

Elsewhere, Gloucester will host Bath while promoted Leeds play Newcastle and Northampton meet Worcester.

Irish will take on Leicester on the second weekend in a repeat of last month's Premiership final.

Matches will also take place over the holiday weekends of 26 and 27 December and 2 and 3 January, with the regular Premiership season concluding on 8 May, play-offs scheduled a week later and the final on 29 May.

Premier Rugby's commercial director Jon Varney said: "The new season has a lot to live up to, with last season acknowledged as being our most successful to date.

"There are always a few surprises, and it will be interesting to see which teams go on to challenge at the top despite not being among the bookies' favourites, like Harlequins and London Irish did last season.

"A number of clubs are reporting strong season ticket sales, and I think this is because supporters are recognising great value world-class entertainment coupled with a fantastic match-day atmosphere.

"I know a few of the clubs have plans to take big matches away from their usual venues, which I am sure they will announce in due course."

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