Leinster open defence against Irish

Leinster will launch the defence of their Heineken Cup title against London Irish on Friday, 9 October at the RDS in Dublin in what will be their first meeting in the competition.

Leo Cullen's champions then travel to France to clash with 1997 winners Brive in another tournament first meeting before their quick-fire back-to-back contests with more familiar opponents the Scarlets.

Ulster begin their campaign with a home tie against Bath, also on the Friday, while Munster travel to Northampton Saints in a clash of former tournament winners on Saturday 10th.

Munster face Benetton Treviso in their second game on Saturday 17 October, while Ulster tarvel to Edinburgh on the same day.

Former double champions Leicester Tigers, beaten by Leinster final at Murrayfield two months ago, open their challenge at the revamped 24,000-capacity Welford Road against the Ospreys in a carbon copy start to last season's campaign.

French champions Perpignan begin on the road against top Italian club Benetton Treviso with Heineken Cup 2009 semi-finalists Cardiff Blues home to Harlequins.