Rugby:There could be revenge in the air with news that Northampton will take on Leinster at Donnybrook in August as part of the European champions' pre-season build-up ahead of the new RaboDirect PRO12 campaign.

Northampton were subject to a second-half mauling by Leinster in last month’s Heineken Cup final defeat at the Millennium Stadium. Munster could keep a close eye on this one too for they were drawn in the same pool for this season’s Heineken Cup

First up for Leinster though will be the visit of the Melbourne Rebels, the Australian side, who boast a string of Wallaby internationals, including Sam Cordingley and Stirling Mortlock.

England’s Danny Cipriani and former Leinster secondrow Adam Byrnes are also on the books and should provide Joe Schmidt’s side with a stern test ahead of the new season.

“These two high-profile games, against top class opposition, will be very challenging which is ideal leading into the PRO12 campaign,” said Schmidt. “Melbourne are a new franchise with high ambitions who boast a strong array of young and experienced talent.

“We know all about Northampton’s many qualities from their performances both in their domestic league and in Europe last year and both sides will provide us with a real test as we look to integrate some of our new signings into the panel ahead of the start of the PRO12.”

Leinster will take on the Melbourne Redels on Friday, August 19th at Donnybrook (kick-off 7pm), while the Saints are booked in for the following Friday (26th) at the same venue and time.

Tickets for both pre-season friendlies will go on sale from 10am tomorrow from www.leinsterrugby.ie and Ticketmaster outlets nationwide.

Leinster Rugby also confirmed over 13,000 season tickets have already been sold ahead of the new campaign and covers Celtic League, European and British & Irish Cup matches.

Leinster pre-season fixtures

Friday, August 19th:Leinster v Melbourne Rebels (Donnybrook, 7pm)
Friday, August 26th: Leinster v Northampton Saints (Donnybrook, 7pm)