La Rochelle set for Penney’s bow as Reds boss

New coach Rob Penney will take charge of Munster for the first time on French soil as he bids to make an immediate impact.

Munster will play the first of three pre-season friendlies when they travel to take on French Pro D2 side La Rochelle on Aug 10. Munster also played the west coast side last year in France.

Seven days later they will play Bristol at Musgrave Park, and on Aug 24 will take on London Irish at the Cork venue when Ireland international and former Red Tomás O’Leary could line out for his new club.

Both of Connacht’s pre-season games will be away from home, with Eric Elwood’s men playing Exeter on Aug 11 before taking on Premiership champions Harlequins a week later at The Stoop. The two English sides travelled to Connacht for pre-season games last summer.

Leinster have confirmed just one pre-season game so far with the Heineken Cup champions meeting Gloucester at Tallaght Stadium on Aug 11.

Ulster have arranged a number of pre-season games but have not yet announced them.