The Gallagher Premiership returns this weekend after a break for the Six Nations and the action kicks off with a compelling clash between reigning champions Bath Rugby and Saracens. Fans eager to watch the match live have several options, depending on their location, with streaming services offering comprehensive coverage. This highly anticipated fixture promises a thrilling return to domestic rugby action as both teams vie for position in the play-off race.
Bath currently sits second in the league standings, just two points behind Northampton Saints, while Saracens are in pursuit, four points behind Leicester Tigers. A victory for either side will significantly bolster their title aspirations. The match, scheduled for Friday, March 20, 2026, with a 7:45 PM GMT kick-off, will be a key indicator of form as the season enters its crucial final stages.
For those planning to stream the game, a variety of options are available. Here’s a breakdown of how to tune in from around the world.
Streaming Options by Region
UK and Ireland-based fans can watch the match on TNT Sports, with coverage beginning at 7:00 PM GMT on TNT Sports 1. A subscription to TNT Sports is required, currently available through Discovery+ Premium (£30.99 per month), but transitioning to the new HBO Max platform on March 26th. Existing Sky, BT, EE, or Virgin Media customers can also add TNT Sports to their packages. The service also carries rights to the match in Ireland through various providers including Sky, Now, EE, Virgin Media, and Vodafone.
Across the Atlantic, the Gallagher Premiership is available on FloRugby in the United States. A monthly subscription costs $39.99, while an annual subscription is available for $155.88, equating to $12.99 per month. Australian viewers can stream the match ad-free on Stan Sport, requiring a $20 monthly add-on to a base Stan plan starting at $12 per month. Kick-off in Australia is at 6:45 AM AEDT on Saturday. New Zealand viewers can access the live stream via Sky Sport NZ, with subscriptions starting at $54.99 per month or day passes available for $29.99, with the match beginning at 8:45 AM NZDT on Saturday.
Bypassing Geo-Restrictions with a VPN
For fans traveling abroad, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can provide access to their usual streaming services. A VPN allows users to bypass geo-blocking by masking their IP address, effectively simulating a local connection. TechRadar rates NordVPN as a top choice for this purpose.
Team Lineups and Preview
Bath Rugby boss Johann van Graan has named a strong starting lineup, welcoming back key Six Nations players including Henry Arundell, Ollie Lawrence, Finn Russell, Ben Spencer, Archie Griffin, and Josh Bayliss. Guy Pepper and Sam Underhill are named on the bench. Saracens, meanwhile, will observe Elliot Daly return to the starting lineup, with Ben Earl among the replacements. Maro Itoje and Jamie George have been given a week’s rest. The Saracens squad features experienced players such as Lucio Cinti, Nick Tompkins, and Owen Farrell.
Here are the confirmed starting lineups:
Bath Rugby
Tom De Glanville, Henry Arundell, Ollie Lawrence, Max Ojomoh, Will Muir, Finn Russell, Ben Spencer (captain); Beno Obano, Tom Dunn, Archie Griffin, Quinn Roux, Charlie Ewels, Josh Bayliss, Miles Reid, Alfie Barbeary
Replacements: Kepueli Tuipulotu, François Van Wyk, Thomas Du Toit, Ted Hill, Guy Pepper, Bernard Van Der Linde, Santi Carreras, Sam Underhill
Saracens
Elliot Daly, Tobias Elliott, Lucio Cinti, Nick Tompkins, Rotimi Segun, Owen Farrell, Ivan Van Zyl (captain); Eroni Mawi, Theo Dan, Marcus Street, Nick Isiekwe, Hugh Tizard, Theo McFarland, Juan Martin Gonzalez, Tom Willis
Replacements: James Hadfield, Alex O’Driscoll, Marco Riccioni, Andy Onyeama-Christie, Ben Earl, Gareth Simpson, Fergus Burke, Max Malins
This match promises to be an exciting start to the resumed Gallagher Premiership season, with both teams eager to secure a vital victory. The atmosphere at the Rec is expected to be electric under the Friday night lights.
As the season progresses, the battle for play-off spots will intensify. Fans can expect more thrilling encounters and pivotal moments as teams strive for championship glory. Stay tuned for further updates and analysis as the Gallagher Premiership unfolds.
What are your predictions for the match? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
