WORCESTER Cavaliers will start their 2018-19 Premiership Rugby Shield campaign with a home clash against Newcastle Falcons.

The competitions replaces the Premiership Rugby A League but will be played in the same format as last season with the top two sides from Northern and Southern Conferences qualifying for the semi-finals.

Cavaliers will host Falcons on Monday, September 3 in the first of 10 fixtures in the Northern Conference.

Last season saw Worcester win five of their 10 matches to finish third, just missing out on a place in the last four, while a number of academy stars shone in the development competition.

Will Butler, Ted Hill, Tom Dodd, Justin Clegg, Beck Cutting and Alex Hearle, were regulars for Cavaliers who produced some stunning performances at Sixways to defeat the likes of Wasps, Newcastle Falcons and Sale Jets.

Worcester Cavaliers 2018-19 fixtures:

Monday, September 3 - Worcester Cavaliers vs Newcastle Falcons

Monday, September 10 - Leicester Tigers vs Worcester Cavaliers

Monday, September 24 - Worcester Cavaliers vs Sale Jets

Monday, October 1 | Wasps vs Worcester Cavaliers

Monday, December 17 | Northampton Wanderers vs Worcester Cavaliers

Monday, December 24 | Worcester Cavaliers vs Leicester Tigers

Monday, December 31 - Sale Jets vs Worcester Cavaliers

Monday, April 1 - Worcester Cavaliers vs Northampton Wanderers

Monday, April 8 - Worcester Cavaliers vs Wasps

Monday, April 22 - Newcastle Falcons vs Worcester Cavaliers

Monday, May 6 - semi-final

Monday, May 13 - final