Warriors face two away trips at the start of the campaign as work continues on the redevelopment of Sixways Stadium before they entertain Leicester Tigers in the first game on home soil on the weekend of September 19/20/21.

Ruddock’s troops face home games with Bristol Rugby and Sale Sharks over the Christmas and New Year period and entertain champions London Wasps at the start of March.

Warriors will bring the curtain down on the season with a home clash to London Irish on April 25/26 April.

“The entire squad is looking forward to the season kicking off and it’s a very exciting fixture list for us,” said Ruddock.

“Starting with an away trip to Franklin’s Gardens to tackle newly promoted Northampton will be a fantastic occasion and real cracking way to start the new season. It is a difficult start for us as they are re-joining the top flight and will want to start their campaign flying high. They have recruited strongly and they will be determined to learn from their last season in the Premiership, however we will take a lot of confidence forward from last season and we will also be looking to hit the ground running.”

“Our first home clash is a mouth watering one against Leicester Tigers, a team never to be underestimated as they showed last season by making the final after been written off.  We will be aiming to set the tone on home soil once again. It’s a tough start for us with two away games but also a very exciting one.”