The agreement between the Lions and Sanzar, the body representing the three major southern-hemisphere unions, will expire after this tour and the need to increase preparation time in future is likely to form a major part of negotiations over the next deal.

Meanwhile Bristol, who return to the Premiership for the first time in seven seasons, will open their league campaign against 2012 champions Harlequins in the London double header, on Saturday, Sept 3, at Twickenham. Saracens will start their title defence in the other half of that London double bill, taking on Worcester.

A number of teams will again take ‘home’ matches away from their normal grounds, with Saracens facing Harlequins at Wembley on April 8 and Bath playing Leicester at Twickenham on the same day.

The Anglo-Welsh Cup is returning, kicking off on the weekend of Nov 4-6, with fixtures to be announced later this month.