Ireland's top players can forget about easing their way into the new season as the provincial sides have drawn up busy schedules for the run-in to their inaugural Celtic League matches on the weekend of August 17th-19th.

Both Munster and Ulster face two tough friendly matches against premier English club sides, while Connacht play Leinster, who have been training since late June, on August 8th in Athlone.

Munster have their two most juicy fixtures scheduled for Thomond Park. They meet Wasps on August 7th and former European Cup winners Bath on August 10th. Bath and Wasps, who face each other in a friendly at Thomond Park on August 13th, will be in Ireland for pre-season training camps.

Ronan O'Gara and David Wallace have remained in Australia for a brief holiday following the Lions tour and are expected back early next month.

Ulster, who yesterday travelled to Scotland for a five-day training camp, have arranged matches at Ravenhill against non-premiership English side Coventry on August 3rd and the more competitive Sale Sharks on August 9th. Ulster meet Swansea at home in their first Celtic League game on August 17th.

Leinster's Brian O'Driscoll and Malcolm O'Kelly are both on a break following the Lions tour. They are expected back a week before Leinster face Glasgow in their Celtic League opener at Donnybrook, also on August 17th.

Connacht's sole friendly is the game against Leinster. They play Cardiff in Wales on August 18th in the Celtic League.