Rugby Union Kicks Off

As Bath and Bristol help launch the new season, Rugby World’s Sarah Mockford previews the campaign

- Richard Mcclure

LIVE RUGBY UNION

The new Premiership and Pro14 seasons begin on Friday as BT Sport provides live coverage of newly promoted Bristol Bears’ first home game against rivals Bath (kick-off 7.45pm), while Premier Sports begins its Pro14 live coverage with two opening fixtures: Cardiff Blues v Leinster and Ospreys against Edinburgh (kick-offs 7.35pm).

Here, Rugby World editor Sarah Mockford and her team highlight six things to look out for in the new rugby campaign…

WORLD CUP BUILD-UP