Bristol Bears will recommence their Premiership title ambitions on August 15 with a behind-closed-doors clash against reigning champions Saracens at Ashton Gate.
Premiership Rugby has released the first four of nine matchdays to complete the 2019/20 season following the Covid-19 pandemic which has left professional rugby on shutdown since mid-March.
The Bears welcome Saracans to BS3 on Saturday, August 15, with kick-off times and broadcast arrangements still to be confirmed, with games then following against Gloucester at Kingsholm (Friday, August 21), home to Exeter (Tuesday, August 26) and then a trip to Sale Sharks (Saturday, August 29).
Fixtures are subject to change and all matches will be played behind closed doors with precise kick-off times and TV arrangements to be confirmed.
The Bears are third in the Premiership and look set for at least a place in the European Championship Cup but providing they get off to a positive start, that match against table-toppers Exeter could determine whether or not they can be considered bona fide title contenders.
"It’s another positive step towards a season restart with the confirmation of August’s fixtures," said chief executive Mark Tainton.
"With regards to matchday ticket and season card information, we’re incredibly grateful to our fantastic supporters for their continued patience and understanding.
"Protocols around Covid-19 are a fast-changing situation, so we await clarity about when we will be able to host a number of supporters at home fixtures in a safe and responsible manner. We are ready to welcome fans back as soon as government guidance deems it is safe to do so.
"The team at Ashton Gate has been tremendous and the club are liaising with internal and external stakeholders on a daily basis."
Bristol Live understands the reason behind only releasing the opening four fixtures is down to BT Sports planning, as results over that period could then shape kick-off times of the more appealing fixtures heading into September.
There is also the provision that supporters may be permitted to return before the campaign concludes, subject to social distancing and various protocols, with football already planning for fans to attend matches, albeit in reduced numbers, for early September.
"It would be a significant boost if supporters were able to come to Ashton Gate and enjoy the team in action, but we must wait a little longer to find out if that’s possible," Tainton added.
"The safety and well-being of our community is the highest priority, so we continue to work closely with local authorities and Premiership Rugby. Thank you for your backing and we can’t wait to be out on the field doing the city proud once again."
The Bears emerge from lockdown with potentially a stronger squad than they entered it with Semi Radradra, Kyle Sinckler, Chris Cook and Mitch Eadie on board plus hooker Harry Thacker should be declared fit to return having been out since January with a neck injury.
