Leicester Tigers were beaten 19-27 at Northampton on Sunday and in 24 seasons of league rugby have never begun a season with successive defeats. Tigers have lost just one of their last 34 games in all competitions at Welford Road: 23-32 to Saracens on 8 May.

Exeter Chiefs became just the second team after Leeds in 2001 to win their debut Premiership encounter. The Chiefs now bid to emulate Bristol in 2005/06 by being the most recent promoted side to win their opening two Premiership encounters.
The two clubs have not met since a 6th round tie in the Powergen Cup on 15 December 2001.

Referee: Dean Richards (38th Premiership game)

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