Bath Rugby’s Chief Executive, Tarquin McDonald, has publicly criticised the high number of Friday night fixtures assigned to the club at the beginning of the new season. Bath is scheduled to host Exeter Chiefs and Bristol Bears on Friday evenings at The Rec and will also play away games against Harlequins, Gloucester, and Newcastle within the opening nine Premiership fixtures announced so far.
In an open letter published on the club’s website, McDonald acknowledged the scheduling issues and stated the club’s clear preference for Saturday afternoon kick-offs, a sentiment that aligns with supporter feedback. He emphasised that the club is working closely with Premiership Rugby and the European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) to ensure that match scheduling becomes more balanced as the season progresses.
“Fixtures have been released across all three senior competitions, and I am sure you look forward to the start of the season as much as we do,” McDonald wrote. “Some of you have commented on Friday night fixtures. Scheduling is ultimately determined by the competition broadcasters. Our strong preference – aligned with supporter feedback – is Saturday afternoon kick-offs, and we are clear on this with Premiership Rugby and EPCR, with whom we will work closely to ensure fixture scheduling evens out over the season.”
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The club’s home season begins with a Friday night fixture against Exeter Chiefs at The Rec on 2 October. McDonald also reminded Season Ticket Holders and Club Members that their early access ticket purchase window remains open until 10:00 on 11 August, after which general sale will commence.
Looking ahead to Bath’s European campaign, McDonald revealed that the team will host Montpellier and Stade Français, travel to Cardiff in December, and embark on a historic match against the Vodacom Bulls in Pretoria in January – a first for Bath Rugby.
Below is Bath Rugby’s full 2026/27 Premiership fixture list:
- Friday, 25 September, 7:45pm: Harlequins vs Bath Rugby
- Friday, 2 October, 7:45pm: Bath Rugby vs Exeter Chiefs
- Saturday, 10 October, 3:05pm: Northampton Saints vs Bath Rugby
- Friday, 23 October, 7:45pm: Gloucester Rugby vs Bath Rugby
- Saturday, 31 October, 3:05pm: Bath Rugby vs Sale Sharks
- Friday, 4 December, 7:45pm: Bath Rugby vs Bristol Bears
- Friday, 18 December, 7:45pm: Newcastle Red Bulls vs Bath Rugby
- Saturday, 26 December, 3:05pm: Bath Rugby vs Leicester Tigers
- Saturday, 2 January, 3:05pm: Saracens vs Bath Rugby
- Weekend of 23 January: Bath Rugby vs Northampton Saints
- Weekend of 20 March: Bath Rugby vs Gloucester Rugby
- Weekend of 27 March: Sale Sharks vs Bath Rugby
- Weekend of 17 April: Bath Rugby vs Newcastle Red Bulls
- Weekend of 24 April: Leicester Tigers vs Bath Rugby
- Weekend of 8 May: Exeter Chiefs vs Bath Rugby
- Weekend of 15 May: Bath Rugby vs Harlequins
- Weekend of 29 May: Bristol Bears vs Bath Rugby
- Weekend of 6 June: Bath Rugby vs Saracens