By Jim Mason BBC Scotland's rugby reporter

Moffat (bottom) has brought in Tom Smith as forwards coach

Scotland's professional rugby teams kick off their season on Friday night as the 2009/10 Magners League season gets under way.

Edinburgh, who finished second in the table last year, are away to Cardiff Blues in the Welsh capital, while Glasgow face defending Magners champions Munster at Firhill.

For Edinburgh the match against Cardiff also marks the debut as head coach of Rob Moffat, who took over from Andy Robinson in July.

Moffat, who was assistant under Robinson at Edinburgh, has brought in former Scotland international Tom Smith as his forwards coach and the Australian Nick Scrivener, who will concentrate on defence.

Edinburgh also have a new look when it comes to the playing staff.

Tim Visser will make his debut on Friday in Cardiff, having joined the club in May from Newcastle Falcons.

Visser is a Dutch international and the country's only full-time professional.

Roddy Grant could also be set to make an impact for Edinburgh. The back-row forward impressed on the IRB sevens circuit last season. His pace and expertise in the contact area is likely to make him a fans' favourite.

Lineen's Warriors have a tough start against Munster at Firhill

Moffat will also surely rely on the vast experience within Edinburgh's ranks. Allister Hogg is captain on Friday and the Scotland number eight was an ever-present in last year's campaign.

Glasgow's coaching set-up remains the same, with Sean Lineen once again at the helm as head coach.

The Firhill side face a difficult first game against Munster. The return of Chris Cusiter should add a spark behind the scrum but Sean Lineen's principal headache this term may be to decide who plays at stand-off.

Scottish international Dan Parks holds the all-time scoring record in the Magners League, but Lineen may look to further develop the talents of Ruaridh Jackson.

Outside the half-back combination, Glasgow's back line looks full of promise with pace and flair.

The Evans brothers are the stand-outs, but look out also for Peter Horne and Peter Murchie, the latter joining the Warriors from London Welsh.

While success in the Magners League is desirable for both pro teams, eyes will also be drawn to this season's Heineken Cup.

Edinburgh are still the only Scottish team to qualify from the pool stages, losing to Toulouse 36 -10 in the 2003/04 season.

This term the draws for both teams have been relatively kind. Glasgow are in Pool 2 along with Biarritz, Gloucester and Newport Gwent Dragons; Edinburgh find themselves in Pool 4 with Bath, Stade Francais and Ulster.

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