Munster to kick off new season with Bath friendly

All four provinces have lined up warm-up matches

Munster's Craig Casey scores a try against Zebre

Munster will kick off the new rugby campaign with a friendly encounter against Bath at Thomond Park in September as all four provinces line up pre-season clashes for what they hope will be a return to a regular fixture list with fans in attendance for the first time in a year and a half.

Johann van Graan’s men will open their season against Bath, who will play Leinster in the Heineken Champions Cup in December, at Thomond Park on Saturday, September 4 (3pm) before travelling to play Premiership runners-up Exeter Chiefs the following Saturday at Sandy Park (3pm).