The 8 key matches that could define the Premiership season, including final rematch

The Premiership fixtures have been released, and fans across the league are eagerly anticipating the start of the season. 

With the competitive nature of the Premiership now, each game will be crucial as teams seek to reach the top four and even beyond.

But what fixtures will define the campaign? Well, here is our take on the eight key matches in the 2024/2025 Premiership season.

Bath vs Northampton Saints – Round 1

What a way to kick the season off! In a rematch of the blockbuster Premiership final from last season, Northampton Saints travel down to the West Country to face Bath.

This game will serve as a huge marker for both sides in their respective hunts for glory; Bath come into the campaign as the probable title favourites, but the Saints will also be keen to show their title win last year was not a flash in the pan moment for the club.

Johann van Graan’s side will also be out for revenge after their Twickenham defeat too, so this should be a belter of a game to get the season going.

Premiership: Replay of final kicks-off new campaign as 2024/2025 fixtures confirmed

Saracens vs Sale Sharks – Round 2

Seems quite an early pick, but Saracens vs Sale Sharks in round two could be a checkpoint in both team’s season’s. Saracens campaign unravelled following their home defeat to Sale Sharks on the final day, but Mark McCall’s men come into the new year with a fresh outlook.

This will be a really nice way for his new-look group to prove they are just as big a force as the Saracens of old, and put the final stages of last season to bed.

For Alex Sanderson and his band of merry men, they will want to show their end of season form last year was no plucky run, and a victory in the capital will also allow them to send a message to the teams around them they are up for another title fight.

Sale Sharks vs Newcastle Falcons – Round 4

There’s no dressing it up, Newcastle Falcons had a torrid time in 2023/2024, but their round four clash against Sale Sharks will be a measuring stick for the Steve Diamond effect.

With a full pre-season with Diamond under their belts they will look a far more competitive side than they were last year. It’s also likely Diamond will get them playing a more physical style; but their true test in the early stages of the season will come in this clash against Sale Sharks, who are arguably the most physical side in the Premiership.

This game is also a significant one for Northern rugby too, so that’s why it edges out the other derbies in round four.

Gloucester vs Leicester Tigers – Round 11

Both sides had very disappointing campaigns last time out, but with this game coming towards the latter half of the season it should be a springboard for the winner to try and climb into the top six, or even push for the playoffs.

Gloucester have recruited heavily, with the likes of Christian Wade, Gareth Anscombe and Tomos Williams all joining George Skivington’s side, but Leicester have also made some changes to things with Michael Cheika taking the reigns.

By the time the sides meet in round 11, the new combinations and new style will have bedded in and will set this up for a very competitive game at Kingsholm.

Exeter Chiefs vs Bath – Round 14

This exact fixture last season proved to be a turning point in Bath’s campaign last time out, with Johann van Graan describing it as their best of the season, and it could yet again be a key one for his side.

Both teams should, and most likely will, be pushing for the top four around this time in the season, so the chance of getting one over your playoff rivals at such a crucial stage in the season is huge for both teams. A win, but especially a bonus-point win, will put a huge dent in the loser’s hopes of reaching the top four.

Northampton Saints vs Saracens – Round 17

A rerun of last year’s semi-final between the sides, this clash in round 17 could easily have an effect on both team’s season’s. Northampton Saints and Saracens have lofty expectations, and will view a home semi-final as a must, so the chance to bag one so late into the campaign will likely make this one to watch.

They can also potentially derail their opponents too. With this game coming so close to the end of the season, a loss would allow fellow playoff hopefuls to leapfrog them and knock them out of the race.

This is a huge game.

Harlequins vs Exeter Chiefs – Round 17

In a similar way, the clash between Harlequins and Exeter in the same round will be a key game in the playoff race.

The reverse fixture last season saw Harlequins bid for the top four all but ended, despite them grabbing a last-gaps bonus-point, so both teams will be fully aware of the effect a loss could have on them ahead of the final day.

Bristol Bears vs Harlequins – Round 18

Bristol Bears again face Harlequins in round 18, and this could easily determine the shape of the top four.

There will likely be a lot on the line for most teams on the final day, with the fierce competition for playoff spots in the Premiership, so the winner of this game could easily secure their spot in those elusive spots with a win.

READ NEXT: England legend Ben Youngs recovering from heart surgery following collapse at training