Leinster face a tough assignment in their opening Heineken European Cup match where they play recently-crowned French champions Toulouse away from home.
The fixtures for the 2001/2 competition, released today by tournament organisers European Rugby Cup Ltd, also see Munster at home to Castres in the first round of matches to be played on September 28th-30th.
1999 winners Ulster face a somewhat easier task with an away trip to Italian club Treviso.
Leicester launch their defence of the Heineken Cup at home to Llanelli while beaten finalists Stade Francais travel to Wasps.
Bath visit Biarritz, reigning Welsh-Scottish League champions Swansea host Edinburgh Reivers and Harlequins travel to Bridgend.
Glasgow Caledonians are at home to Montferrand, Cardiff meet 2000 winners Northampton Saints and Newcastle welcome Newport.