Harlequins vs. Bath Rugby Preview: Gallagher PREM Round 1

Harlequins host Bath Rugby in Gallagher PREM Round 1. Preview, Athlete’s Lounge coverage, kickoff time in ET, and how to watch live on FloRugby.

Sep 25, 2025 by Joe Harrington

Harlequins vs. Bath Rugby Preview: Gallagher PREM Round 1

Friday night in London delivers one of the headline fixtures of PREM Rugby’s opening weekend. Harlequins, one of the most storied clubs in England, host Bath Rugby at the Twickenham Stoop in a Round 1 clash that carries no shortage of intrigue.

Harlequins lean on their attacking flair and home-ground passion, while Bath arrives as defending champions following their remarkable treble-winning 2024–25 campaign.

For Bath, the challenge this season is continuing their run of success with a target squarely on their back. Finn Russell, their mercurial fly-half, will again guide the attack, supported by a roster brimming with confidence. Harlequins, meanwhile, are looking to reclaim momentum and remind the league of their 2021 title-winning swagger. With Marcus Smith orchestrating from No. 10, Quins will want to challenge for top spot in the league again this season.

This is more than just Round 1; it’s a clash between one of the Premiership’s oldest names and a club riding its most successful modern chapter. Under the lights at the Stoop, it’s a meeting of tradition, flair, and the pursuit of another statement win.

FloRugby Top 100 Players To Watch

This matchup is loaded with stars from the FloRugby Top 100. Harlequins feature Marcus Smith (87), whose creativity defines their attack. Bath counters with multiple standouts, including Finn Russell (16), Santiago Carreras (97), Thomas du Toit (73), and Will Stuart (96).

Marcus Smith (87), Harlequins
Finn Russell (16), Bath Rugby
Santiago Carreras (97), Bath Rugby
Thomas du Toit (73), Bath Rugby
Will Stuart (96), Bath Rugby

Harlequins vs. Bath Rugby Storylines Heading Into Round 1

Harlequins continue to build around Marcus Smith and their attacking identity, hoping to return to contention after recent inconsistency. With the British and Irish Lions star set to be rested for the opening rounds, the onus will be on the Quins squad to fill the void. Their pack will need to stand firm against Bath’s dominant forwards. Bath, fresh off a treble-winning season, has the confidence and roster depth to defend their crown. Missing several international stars to start the season with Finn Russell and Will Stuart being rested following Lions duty, Thomas du Toit and Santiago Carreras remain with their international teams in The Rugby Championship.

FloRugby Athlete’s Lounge Coverage

FloRugby’s Athlete’s Lounge debuts during Round 1, streaming free at 2:30 p.m. ET on Friday, Sept. 26. Hosted by Dallen Stanford with USA Rugby head coach Scott Lawrence as a featured guest, the show will provide live analysis of Bath’s trip to Twickenham Stoop to face Harlequins. Fans can tune in via FloRugby, the FloSports app, YouTube, and Facebook for expert insight and match breakdowns.

Harlequins vs. Bath Rugby Kickoff Time

On Friday, Sept. 26 at 2:45 p.m. ET, Harlequins host Bath Rugby at Twickenham Stoop. It is one of the showcase fixtures of opening weekend and a test of Bath’s title defence right from the start.

How To Watch PREM Rugby Round 1

Fans in the United States can stream Harlequins vs. Bath Rugby live on FloRugby and the FloSports app. Full replays and highlights will also be available on demand. This match will also stream live on YouTube and Facebook via the FloRugby Athlete's Lounge broadcast.

Subscribe To The FloRugby Annual Plan To Watch Every Match

Catch every minute of the 2025–26 PREM Rugby season live and on demand with the FloRugby annual plan. From Round 1 through the final, subscribers get exclusive coverage of every match.

Subscribe To The FloRugby Annual Plan To Watch Every Match

Don’t miss a moment of the 2025–26 Premiership Rugby season. The FloRugby annual plan gives subscribers access to every match live and on demand, plus exclusive coverage across European and international competitions.

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Rugby fans can stream every match from the Top 14, Gallagher Premiership, and United Rugby Championship on FloRugby, along with the Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup, making the platform the U.S. home for the world’s biggest club competitions and the game’s top players

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