Overview
- The 2025–26 season runs from 25 September 2025 to 20 June 2026, opening tonight with Sale Sharks versus Gloucester in a Thursday slot to avoid a clash with the Women’s Rugby World Cup final.
- Every match in the UK and Ireland streams live on TNT Sports via discovery+, with selected free-to-air games on ITV including the final and international rights on FloRugby (US), Stan Sport (Australia) and Sky Sport NZ.
- Newcastle take the field as the Newcastle Red Bulls under new Red Bull ownership on Friday when they host Saracens at Kingston Park.
- Reigning champions Bath begin their title defense on Friday at Harlequins, with fly-half Finn Russell resting after the British & Irish Lions tour.
- Off the field, clubs reported losses last season and discussions continue over structural reforms, including a possible expansion to 12 teams and a relegation freeze.