Aviva Premiership 2016/17 fixtures: Bristol to face Harlequins as part of Twickenham double-header

Bristol's first Premiership match after a seven-year absence will be followed by reigning champions Saracens against Worcester Warriors

Bristol Rugby won the Championship play-offs last season to secure promotion to the Aviva Premiership (Getty)

Bristol's first Aviva Premiership match in seven years will be staged at Twickenham.

The Ashton Gate club will kick-start their top-flight return by taking on 2012 Premiership winners Harlequins in the London double header, on Saturday, September 3.

Reigning champions Saracens will start their title defence in the other half of that London double bill, taking on Worcester Warriors.

"Seeing the fixtures really gets the juices flowing," said Bristol rugby director Andy Robinson.

"We're pleased to be involved in the London double header on our first game back in the top-flight, it's always a day that provides entertaining, competitive rugby."

Bristol's keenly-anticipated Premiership return follows seven years battling to climb back to the top-flight, following relegation in 2009.

Robinson's side will not have long to wait to host their first league match of the season at Ashton Gate however, taking on Northampton Saints on Sunday, September 11.

"The key for us this season is to enjoy our rugby and embrace the challenges that await us," said Robinson.

"We're looking forward to playing at a fantastic stadium in front of our supporters, who we know will travel in great numbers to Twickenham."


 A Premiership final rematch takes place on 11 Spetmeber as Saracens face Exeter 
 (Getty)

A re-run of last term's Premiership final between Exeter Chiefs and Saracens also falls on September 11.

Gloucester will take the honour of hosting the first match of the league season, taking on Leicester Tigers at Kingsholm on Friday, September 2.

Newcastle Falcons will entertain Sale Sharks on the opening weekend, with Northampton hosting Bath and Wasps taking on Exeter.

PA