At Loughborough Lightning, defeated finalists Bristol won easily, 46-19, while Saracens and Exeter had to fight hard to earn the points.
Three-time champions Sarries defeated London rivals Ealing Trailfinders 38-29 at home, while the Chiefs defeated Harlequins 8-7 thanks to a penalty kick in the tenth minute of stoppage time.
On Sunday, Gloucester-Hartpury, the reigning champions, will host the Leicester Tigers for their first game.
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