The fixture dates and kick-off times for this season's Heineken Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup have been revealed, with Munster's home clash with Toulouse set to be broadcast on RTÉ2 and on RTÉ Player on the opening weekend.
The French side travel to Limerick to face Graham Rowntree's side in Pool B on Sunday 11 December at 3.15pm.
Earlier in the day, Ulster make the trip to Salford as they take on Sale Sharks at the AJ Bell Stadium, also in Pool B, at 1pm.
In one of seven fixtures taking place on Saturday as the competition gets under way, Racing 92 host Leinster in Pool A at 1pm.
Connacht's Challenge Cup campaign begins with a home fixture against the Newcastle Falcons on Saturday at 5.30pm.
La Rochelle, who beat Leinster in the final of last year's Heineken Champions Cup, begin their defence at home to Northampton Saints at 5.30pm in Pool B.
Pool fixtures for Irish provinces in Heineken Champions Cup
Round 1
Saturday 10 December
Racing 92 v Leinster, Stade Oceane, Le Havre, 1pm
Sunday 11 December
Sale Sharks v Ulster, AJ Bell Stadium, 1pm
Munster v Toulouse, Thomond Park, 3.15pm *
Round 2
Friday 16 December
Leinster v Gloucester, RDS, 8pm *
Saturday 17 December
Ulster v La Rochelle, Kingspan Stadium, 5.30pm
Sunday 18 December
Northampton v Munster, Franklin's Gardens, 1.0
Round 3
Saturday 14 January
Gloucester v Leinster, Kingsholm, 1pm
Munster v Northampton, Thomond Park, 3.15pm *
La Rochelle v Ulster, Stade Marcel Deflandre, 5.30pm
Round 4
Saturday 21 January
Leinster v Racing 92, Aviva Stadium, 3.15pm *
Ulster v Sale, Kingspan Stadium, 8pm
Sunday 22 January
Toulouse v Munster, Stade Ernest Wallon, 3.15pm
* Denotes live on RTÉ. Live coverage of one game from each subsequent round, up to and including the final in Dublin on Saturday 20 May.
