GLOUCESTER will kick-off their new season with the West Country Challenge Cup on Saturday, September 5 at Exeter’s Sandy Park 4.30pm.

Gloucester face the Chiefs first in the three-team tournament which is taking place due to the late kick-off to the new Aviva Premiership campaign because of the Rugby World Cup.

The Cherry and Whites will play arch rivals Bath the following weekend on Sunday, September 13, 3pm at Bristol’s Memorial Stadium which they are using because Kingsholm is a Rugby World Cup venue.

Head coach David Humphreys then takes his side to The Rec for the return against Bath on Saturday, September 26, 5.45pm, before a ‘home’ clash with Exeter at the Memorial Stadium on Saturday, October 3.

Gloucester centre Henry Trinder said he was keen to get going, adding: “Games against Exeter and Bath are always really tough, so they are a great way for us to test ourselves and see where we are before the Aviva Premiership starts.

“It will be a bit strange for us to not be playing at Kingsholm for our home games, but we’re really looking forward to taking to the field at the Memorial Stadium and experiencing another fantastic atmosphere.”