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Page last updated at 15:43 GMT, Thursday, 23 July 2009 16:43 UK

Scots sides handed tough openers

Heineken Cup

Edinburgh could face former favourites Simon Taylor and Hugo Southwell as they open their Heineken Cup campaign away to Stade Francais Paris.

Glasgow's first pool match is against Biarritz on 10 October.

Sean Lineen's side will be aiming for a repeat of their 2007 9-6 victory over the five-time French Top 14 champions.

Edinburgh play on the same day and head coach Rob Moffat said: "It's important you get off to a good start in Europe, which we didn't manage last year."

Edinburgh, who are also up against Magners League rivals Ulster and 1998 Heineken Cup winners Bath, won away in France for the first time last season, completing a double over Castres.

However, they did not progress to the next phase, which Moffat is targeting this time round.

"That has to be our objective," he said when asked about reaching the knockout rounds. "Of course, a lot has to go in our favour for that to be achieved, but we must aim to improve our performances."

Scotland number eight Taylor left Edinburgh for Stade Francais after the 2007 World Cup, while full-back Southwell agreed his switch in April.

Glasgow, who can take inspiration from a thrilling 33-26 away win over Toulouse in January, also take on Newport Gwent Dragons and Gloucester in Pool 2 of the tournament.

"It's good to get a home game first up," said head coach Lineen. "It doesn't make it any easier, but it certainly helps focus the mind."


Edinburgh's Heineken Cup fixtures

Round 1 - Stade Francais Paris v Edinburgh, Stade Jean-Bouin, Saturday 10 October, kick-off 1335 GMT

Round 2 - Edinburgh v Ulster, Murrayfield, Saturday 17 October, Murrayfield, kick-off 1545 GMT

Round 3 - Bath v Edinburgh, Recreation Ground, Sunday 13 December, kick-off 1500 GMT

Round 4 - Edinburgh v Bath, Murrayfield, Saturday 19 December, kick-off 1335 GMT

Round 5 - Ulster v Edinburgh, weekend of 15/16/17 January

Round 6 - Edinburgh v Stade Francais Paris, weekend of 22/23/24 January

Glasgow's Heineken Cup fixtures

Round 1 - Glasgow Warriors v Biarritz, Firhill Arena, Saturday 10 October, kick-off 1345 GMT

Round 2 - Newport Gwent Dragons v Glasgow Warriors, Rodney Parade, Friday 16 October, kick-off 1930 GMT

Round 3 - Glasgow Warriors v Gloucester Rugby, Firhill Arena, Friday 11 December, kick-off 1930 GMT

Round 4 - Gloucester Rugby v Glasgow Warriors, Kingsholm, Sunday 20 December, kick-off 1245 GMT

Round 5 - Glasgow Warriors v Newport Gwent Dragons, Firhill Arena, 15/16/17 January

Round 6 - Biarritz Olympique v Glasgow Warriors, Parc des Sports, 22/23/24 January



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see also
Heineken Cup 2009/10
22 Dec 09 |  Rugby Union
Heineken Cup tables
09 Aug 06 |  Tables
Tigers face swift Ospreys reunion
23 Jul 09 |  Rugby Union


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