Jamie Heaslip will hope Leinster can hold onto their titleReigning champions, Leinster kick-off their Magners League title defence with a trip to last season's runners-up Cardiff Blues.
Elsewhere, Heineken Cup holders open up with a visit to the Scottish capital to face Edinburgh and EDF Energy Cup winners go to Connacht.
Ulster host the Scarlets and Newport Gwent Dragons entertain Glasgow in the other opening day fixtures.
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