Premiership Rugby have rescheduled league fixture lists for the second half season following Wasps’ expulsion and Worcester’s expulsion.
After going into administration, the two clubs were taken out of the league. There will now be 24 rounds instead of the 26 planned.
Five games will be played each weekend, with one team taking a rest.
From 3-5 February, a rest weekend was held and the Premiership Cup final and semi-finals were moved.
The final four games of the competition will be played over the weekend from 10-12 February. The final round will be played during the weekend between 17-19 March.
The weekend from 30 December to 1 January will be the first to be affected.
The London Irish will face Gloucester at Kingsholm. The Exiles were scheduled to travel to Worcester during the Cherry and Whites’ bye week. Bristol and Bristol now have a weekend off, after previously being scheduled to host Wasps.
Premiership Rugby chief executive Simon Massie Taylor stated, “Restructuring our fixture list has allowed me to create an improved narrative in the second-half of the season. We ensure that five Gallagher Premiership Rugby games are played each weekend.”
“The new roster also reduces the number and duration of bye weeks for teams, as well as the stop-start challenge that some clubs face due to the unfortunate events at Wasps and Worcester Warriors.
“I am conscious that this has caused some real challenges for some clubs, but it is something I would like to thank for their willingness to make these changes.
“The Premiership Rugby Cup will move to the weekends. This reduces the number of games in the midweek and the pressure it creates for coaches, players, and staff.”