Premiership Rugby have confirmed the dates and times of this season’s semi-finals following the penultimate round of the competition.
Although there is still one weekend of the regular season remaining, the top-four has been decided following the Round 23 action.
Northampton Saints kicked off proceedings by thrashing 66-5 at Newcastle Falcons on Friday, but their place wasn’t confirmed until Saracens overcame London Irish 45-21 on Sunday.
Irish’s hopes ended
That simultaneously ended the Exiles’ hopes and ensured the Saints would be in the end of season shake-up. It also enabled Sarries to confirm top spot as they moved nine points ahead of Sale Sharks at the summit.
Although the Greater Manchester outfit can’t usurp Mark McCall’s men, the Sharks did enjoy a historic weekend as they claimed their first home semi-final since 2006 by beating Gloucester 25-22 at Kingsholm.
It means that Leicester Tigers, who were on their bye week, can’t secure a match at Welford Road in the last-four and will probably have to visit the AJ Bell Stadium.
There is an outside chance of Leicester dropping below Northampton in the table, but they would have to lose to Harlequins by 65 points for that to happen.
As a result, when the regular season is done and dusted on May 6, Sarries (1) will likely face off with the Saints (4) on Saturday, May 13 in the semi-finals, with Sale (2) and Leicester (3) going head-to-head a day later.
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Likely Premiership semi-final fixtures
Saturday, May 13
Semi-final 1: Saracens (1) v Northampton Saints (4) at StoneX Stadium
Kick-off: 15:30 BST (14:30 GMT)
Sunday, May 14
Semi-final 2: Sale Sharks (2) v Leicester Tigers (3) at AJ Bell Stadium
Kick-off: 15:00 BST (14:00 GMT)