Davies: Delighted at deal

I'd like to express my particular thanks on behalf of the Lions to the English clubs for their gesture in agreeing to stage the Guinness Premiership final on May 16 and to the RFU for helping to facilitate this.

Gerald Davies
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Guinness Premiership opening day fixtures
Bristol v Bath
Gloucester v Leicester
London Irish v London Wasps
Newcastle v Sale
Northampton v Worcester
Saracens v Harlequins

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The Guinness Premiership play-off final will not clash with the opening fixture of the British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa.

There had been fears that the Lions would depart with a number of players left behind after the opening match against a Highveld XV was arranged for May 30 - the same day that the Premiership final had been due to take place.

However, following talks with the Lions and the RFU, the Premiership has now agreed to end their season two weeks early.

Lions tour manager Gerald Davies said: "I'm delighted that this issue has been resolved well ahead of the next season thanks to many people's efforts over the last few weeks.

"I'd like to express my particular thanks on behalf of the Lions to the English clubs for their gesture in agreeing to stage the Guinness Premiership final on May 16 and to the RFU for helping to facilitate this. It will allow selected players to join up with the Lions in good time for the opening match of the tour.

"It has not been easy to resolve but with the help of all parties we have done so.

Fantastic

"We can now look forward to another fantastic season ahead for the Guinness Premiership and to the added battle for selection to the Lions' tour."

The opening fixtures of the new campaign has thrown up some mouth-watering encounters, including a west country derby between Bristol and Bath.

Defeated Premiership finalists Leicester are set to travel to Kingsholm to tackle Gloucester, newly-promoted Northampton kick-off their return to the top flight against Worcester.

The annual London double-header will see London Irish face Wasps and Saracens line-up against Harlequins.

The other opening round fixture will see Newcastle start with a home match against Sale Sharks.