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For the third straight year, Bristol Bears will be bringing a Gallagher Prem game to Wales
Bristol Bears will return to the Principality Stadium for their third ‘Big Day Out’ next April, with Prem rivals Gloucester confirmed as their latest opponents in the Welsh capital.
The Gallagher Prem club had already confirmed they would play in Cardiff for the third successive year, having played Bath at the home of Welsh rugby in 2025 and Harlequins earlier this year. However, it wasn’t clear who their next opponent would be.
But, with the Prem’s fixtures having been released on Tuesday morning, it has been confirmed that the Cherry and Whites will be playing in the third edition of Bristol’s ‘Big Day Out’ on Saturday, April 17, 2027.
That means Wales captains Dewi Lake and Jac Morgan could feature on home soil, with both heading to Kingsholm this summer.
There’s already bound to be plenty of Welsh interest, with Louis Rees-Zammit the high-profile name on Bristol’s books.
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Pat Lam’s side have a mixed track record in the Welsh capital.
In 2025, they defeated Bath 36-14 in front of 51,000 supporters.
However, the following year saw their play-off hopes dented with a 18-14 defeat to Harlequins.
Elsewhere in the Prem, champions Northampton will begin the defence of their Gallagher Prem title against Newcastle on September 25.
That Friday night clash at Franklin’s Gardens kicks off the season. Derby rivalries then take centre stage in round four from October 16-18.
Festive fixtures over Christmas and new year will take place on a three-week run across rounds seven to nine.
Big Game 18 moves to December 28 for the first time as Harlequins welcome Northampton to Allianz Stadium.
Gloucester are set to take the Slater Cup back to Birmingham for a second successive season, hosting Leicester again at Villa Park subject to confirmation on the Premier League ground being available.
The Prem final will be played at Allianz Stadium on June 19.
“There’s huge momentum behind the Gallagher PREM heading into the new season, following a third consecutive sold-out Final, significant international investment in our clubs, record broadcast audiences and soaring interest from younger fans,” said Prem CEO Simon Massie-Taylor.
“Today’s fixture release is the moment supporters can start looking towards the season ahead – circling local derbies in calendars, planning away days and counting down to the return of the Gallagher PREM.
“From a fascinating opening night clash on TNT Sports between our champions and the ambitious Newcastle Red Bulls, through Derby Weekend, Festive Fixtures and our big stadium events, we’ve built a calendar that gives fans more occasions than ever to get behind their clubs.
“And following a landmark agreement to change our operating model earlier this year, we are well on the way with our plans to expand the league by the 2029/30 season.”
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