BATH will begin their 2018-19 Gallagher Premiership campaign with two West Country derbies, following the release of the fixtures this morning.

Todd Blackadder's side open their challenge in round one with a televised trip to Ashton Gate to face newly-promoted Bristol Bears on August 31 before making their home debut also in front of the BT Sport cameras against Gloucester on September 8.

The Bears have also been confirmed as Bath's new opponents for 'The Clash' - the home fixture the club have moved to be played in recent seasons at Twickenham - on Saturday, April 6.

Bath director of rugby Todd Blackadder said: “I don’t think you could have asked for a more exciting start to the Gallagher Premiership season.

“The derbies against Bristol and Gloucester are always the ones that players and supporters look out for when the fixtures are released, so there’s going to be a lot riding on the first few games.

“To also play a local derby at Twickenham is a really exciting opportunity for everyone associated with the two clubs and I’m looking forward to seeing the stadium awash with Blue, Black and White once again.”

Fixtures have been confirmed up until round nine, with all subsequent matches subject to change.

BATH RUGBY GALLAGHER 2018-19 PREMIERSHIP FIXTURES ROUNDS 1-9

Home matches in CAPS

AUGUST

Fri 31: Bristol Rugby (7.45, live on BT Sport)

SEPTEMBER

Sat 8: GLOUCESTER RUGBY (4.30, live on BT Sport)

Sat 15: Harlequins (3pm, live on BT Sport)

Sat 22: NORTHAMPTON SAINTS (3pm)

Sat 29: Saracens (3pm, live on BT Sport)

OCTOBER

Fri 5: EXETER CHIEFS (7.45pm, live on BT Sport)

NOVEMBER

Sat 17: WORCESTER WARRIORS (12.45pm)

Fri 23: Newcastle Falcons (7.45pm)

DECEMBER

Sun 2: SALE SHARKS (3pm, live on BT Sport)

Fri/Sat/Sun 21/22/23: Wasps

Fri/Sat/Sun 28/29/30: LEICESTER TIGERS

JANUARY

Fri/Sat/Sun 4/5/6: Worcester Warriors

FEBRUARY

Fri/Sat/Sun 15/16/17: NEWCASTLE FALCONS

Fri/Sat/Sun 22/23/24: Northampton Saints

MARCH

Fri/Sat/Sun 1/2/3: HARLEQUINS

Fri/Sat/Sun 8/9/10: SARACENS

Fri/Sat/Sun 22/23/24: Exeter Chiefs

APRIL

Sat 6: BRISTOL BEARS (at Twickenham)

Fri/Sat/Sun 12/13/14: Gloucester Rugby

Fri/Sat/Sun 26/27/28: Sale Sharks

MAY

Fri/Sat/Sun 3/4/5: WASPS

Sat 18: Leicester Tigers