Heineken Cup opener pits champs Munster against Leicester

MUNSTER will have little time to rest on their laurels as Heineken Cup Champions. In the opening tie of next season’s competition, the heroes of Cardiff must travel to former winners Leicester Tigers.

The two heavyweights meet on Sunday, 22 October, two days after the tournament gets underway officially with the Ospreys hosting Sale Sharks.

The following day, Saturday, October 21, last year’s beaten semi-finalists Leinster host Gloucester. On the same day, Celtic League champions Ulster will be visited by perennial Heineken Cup powerhouse Toulouse, who were seen off by Leinster last year.