Organisers announce Pro 12 fixtures
Rugby: The Ospreys will open the defence of their Rabodirect Pro 12 title with a trip to Italy where they will face Benetton Treviso on the last weekend in August. The exact dates and times have yet to be confirmed by the organisers but fans can start planning trips after the fixtures were announced this morning.
Leinster, who topped the table at the end of the season but were beaten in the final by the Welsh club, start their campaign in Wales against the Scarlets while 2010-11 winners Munster will face Edinburgh in the Scottish capital.
Ulster and Connacht both have home advantage on the opening weekend with Mark Anscombe taking charge of his first competitive fixture at Ravenhill against the Glasgow Warriors. Connacht will meet the Cardiff Blues at the Sportsground in Galway.
Italian newcomers Zebre will take on the Newport Gwent Dragons in Wales on the opening weekend.
Round One (31 August/1/2 September)
Benetton Treviso v Ospreys
Connacht v Cardiff Blues
Edinburgh Rugby v Munster
Newport Gwent Dragons v Zebre
Scarlets v Leinster
Ulster v Glasgow Warriors
Round Two (7/8/9 September)
Cardiff Blues v Edinburgh Rugby
Glasgow Warriors v Scarlets
Leinster v Newport Gwent Dragons
Munster v Benetton Treviso
Ospreys v Ulster
Zebre v Connacht
