LONDON Irish will kick-off the 2017/18 Premiership season against Harlequins in the traditional London Double Header on Saturday September 2 (kick-off 4.30pm).

The Exiles take on rivals Quins following the conclusion of Saracens versus Northampton Saints, which will form the first part of a rugby blockbuster at the home of English rugby.

Irish’s first away trip of the season sees them taking on reigning champions Exeter Chiefs at Sandy Park on Saturday 9 September.

A trip to Sale Sharks’ AJ Bell Stadium beckons for Nick Kennedy’s men a week later, before they host Northampton Saints at the Madejski Stadium on Sunday 24 September.

Irish round off the month of September away to Dean Richards’ Newcastle Falcons live on BT Sport, with Leicester Tigers the visitors to Reading the following weekend.

European Rugby Champions Cup winners Saracens welcome the Exiles to Allianz Park on Saturday 28 October.

Then during the November internationals, the Exiles host Bath and Wasps, with the festive programme delivering a trip to Worcester Warriors on Saturday 23 December before the visit of Newcastle to the Madejski on Saturday 30 December.

Irish end the campaign away to Bath on Saturday 5 May.