Uncertainty may still surround the future of the Celtic League, but the four Irish provinces are busy finalising pre-season friendlies.

Northampton Saints will play two matches here in August. They meet Munster at Thomond Park on Friday, August 19th, in a repeat of the 2000 Heineken European Cup final. A week later Northampton take on Leinster at Donnybrook.

Leicester Tigers will play Connacht when they visit Galway on August 19th. The sides have an agreement whereby Michael Bradley's side travel to Leicester to play the Tigers at the start of the 2006/2007 season.

Ulster entertain Rotherham Titans at Ravenhill on August 26th. The English first-division side are coached by former Belfast Harlequins coach Andre Bester. Ulster are also finalising plans to play London Irish as part of their preparations for the new season.