Leicester will start defending the Gallagher Premiership title against Exeter at Sandy Park.
The Tigers were crowned champions for the first time since 2013 when a late drop goal from Freddie Burns gave victory over the Saracens at Twickenham two months ago.
Saracens have a bye in the opening round on September 9-11, but then kick off their domestic campaign with a trip to Harlequins.
The domestic season begins on September 9 with a West Country derby on Friday night between Bristol and Bath at Ashton Gate, while Sale hosts Northampton.
It will be the first Premiership game in charge for new Bath boss Johann Van Graan as he sets out to revive a club that were bottom of the table last season.
The Premiership final takes place on May 27 – three weeks earlier than this year – to help England boss Eddie Jones prepare for the 2023 World Cup.
Premiership Rugby confirmed that in addition to BT Sport’s live coverage, the Twickenham showpiece will be broadcast live on ITV’s main channel for the first time.
There are a fortnight between the Premiership play-offs and the final as Dublin hosts the Heineken Champions Cup and European Challenge Cup finals on 19 and 20 May.
League matches are scheduled at two of the three World Rugby-sanctioned Autumn Test weekends in November, while Premiership action also clashes with all but one of five Guinness Six Nations weekends between early February and mid-March.
Leicester head coach Steve Borthwick said: “We are really looking forward to the new Gallagher Premiership season and the challenges that come with being part of one of the most competitive rugby leagues.
“Starting our campaign away against a quality team like Exeter will be a great opportunity to test us against a side of their caliber from the opening round.”
And former Munster manager Van Graan added: “We are delighted at the opportunity to open the season with a local derby. There is still a lot of hard work to be done by everyone at the club before then and we will continue to work towards that first round.”
Premiership opening matches: 9 September – Bristol – Bath, Sale – Northampton; 10 September – Exeter – Leicester, London Irish – Worcester, Newcastle – Harlequins; 11 September – Gloucester vs Wasps.
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