Heineken Cup openers to feature World Cup stars

Leinster and Ulster's Rugby World Cup stars are back in force for their respective Heineken Cup openers this weekend.

David Humphreys and Ulster visit Gwent Dragons at Rodney Parade on Sunday, while Reggie Corrigan’s Leinster entertain Biarritz at Lansdowne Road the day before.

Leinster Lions coach Gary Ella has vowed to soldier on without Felipe Contepomi, who was not properly registered as part of the Heineken Cup squad.

Leinster Branch chief executive, Mick Dawson, admits the registration error was a massive blunder, but a legal bid is being launched to secure his inclusion for later matches.

There was some good news for the side in the form of the return to fitness of Shane Horgan and Eric Miller, who will join other regulars like Brian O’Driscoll, Girvan Dempsey, Shane Byrne, Keith Gleeson and Victor Costello.

Leinster have also announced that they are applying for planning permission for a new 12,000-capacity stadium at Donnybrook.