WITH THE 2012/13 Heineken Cup to climax at the Aviva Stadium, only a few miles from where Joe Schmidt is chewing over the prospect, coping with the hype of an unprecedented third successive crown is one of many challenges facing the Leinster coach at present.

Leinster Rugby will open their bid for an historic three Heineken Cup titles in a row with a home match against tournament newcomers Exeter Chiefs at the RDS on Saturday, October 13, it was announced today.

Clermont Auvergne coach Vern Cotter insists his team are not running scared of defending champions Leinster.