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.

Magners League title hopefuls Glasgow Warriors will be without star flanker Johnnie Beattie for up to six months of the new season.

The Scarlets have signed Samoan back row Jonny Fa'amatuainu as they continue their preparations for the new Magners League season.