RUGBY MAGNERS LEAGUE:REIGNING CHAMPIONS Munster will open the defence of their Magners League title with a trip to Glasgow. And, for the first time, a play-off system will determine the overall winner with semi-finals and a final scheduled for May.

Of the four Irish provinces, only Connacht will be at home on the opening weekend (September 4th-6th) with the Ospreys due to arrive at the Sportsground.

European champions Leinster get their first taste of domestic action since picking up the Heineken Cup with a trip to face the Llanelli Scarlets.

Ulster, with a new management team in place, are also in Wales where they will meet the Newport-Gwent Dragons.

As always, there will be huge interest in the meetings of Leinster and Munster. Michael Cheika’s side will enjoy home advantage at the start of October with the return match in Thomond Park not scheduled until the start of April.

The top Irish players are unlikely to figure in the competition for the first meeting, and are instead expected to feature in the league for the first time in round eight in early December.

This is because of Heineken Cup commitments in October and three autumn internationals – against Australia, Fiji and South Africa – in November.

The fixture list only indicates the weekend on which matches will take place. Specific dates, kick-off times and in some cases venues, will be released later.

Setanta Sports’ two existing sports channels will broadcast over 50 matches during the season. Most of the games will be live on Setanta Ireland but some will be aired on Setanta Sports 1.