By the time England’s quarter-final against Fiji kicks off at the Stade de Marseille on Sunday the first round of the new Premiership season will have ended in a more low-key atmosphere at the AJ Bell Stadium where Sale take on Northampton. This is a domestic season beginning with a very quiet fanfare.
Club rugby is still under a pall after the disappearance of Wasps, Worcester and London Irish during a painful 2022-23. The new season also opens with champions Saracens starting the defence of their title with 13 players at the World Cup when they travel to an Exeter side rebuilding after the loss of so many big names over the summer.
