Edinburgh coach Andy Robinson is relishing the Irish double which will get his side’s season underway in the Celtic League.
The team from Scotland’s capital face European Cup giants Munster on the first weekend in September as their league campaign begins at Murrayfield.
That will pit Edinburgh’s improving pack, including new lock Jim Hamilton, against Lions second-rowers Paul O’Connell and Donncha O’Callaghan and Ireland No. 8 Denis Leamy.
It might also see another new signing, Chris Paterson, take on Ronan O’Gara in a battle of international stand-offs – though Phil Godman will hope to be handed the No. 10 shirt by Robinson.
The following weekend Edinburgh will travel to Dublin to take on Celtic League defending champions Leinster, with the likes of Brian O’Driscoll in their ranks.
Robinson is excited by the host of international players which his side will face in the opening two games of their new league season.
The former England coach said: “Munster have got some fine players and a proud tradition, so we will be looking forward to kicking off our Celtic League campaign in front of a big, vocal crowd at Murrayfield.”
