Newly-promoted London Welsh will face Leicester Tigers in their debut match in the Aviva Premiership.
The Exiles' promotion was only confirmed on Friday after they confirmed they would play their matches at Oxford United's Kassam Stadium.
"We're delighted to draw Leicester and Harlequins (their second fixture), they were by far the best two teams in England last year, and they're arguably in the top half a dozen sides in Europe," Exiles head coach Lyn Jones said.
"The challenge we face against Leicester and Harlequins is as big as London Welsh has ever faced."
Aviva Premiership 2012-13 first-round matches (to be played 31 August-2 September):
Exeter vs. Sale
Gloucester vs. Northampton
Worcester vs. Bath
Wasps vs. Harlequins
Saracens vs. London Irish
London Welsh vs. Leicester