Aironi Rugby will launch their competitive career in Cork on the opening weekend of the 10th anniversary season of the Magners League after Munster announced the venues for their 11 home games this season.
Ulster's international wing Andrew Trimble has been ruled out of at least the first month of the Magners League season after undergoing surgery on his left hand.
Former Wales fly-half Matthew Jones hopes his summer move to Rodney Parade will help him reignite his international career, although he insists he is fully focused on nothing other than the Dragons.
Shane Williams is hoping that his first summer off in seven years will allow him to stay ahead of chasing pack of young stars emerging at Magners League champions the Ospreys.