Townsend anticipating "big test" in GUINNESS PRO12 opener

The Warriors will host the defending champions, in a repeat of last season's final, between September 5 and 7 at Scotstoun.

Memories of that 34-12 defeat in May will still be fresh for Townsend, as Leinster went on to retain their title and secure a fourth PRO12 crown in their history at the RDS Arena.

But the former Scotland flay-half says he's excited by the prospect of locking horns with the Irish giants once more.

"We face a big test against the defending champions on the opening weekend of the GUINNESS PRO12," said Townsend, speaking to the Glasgow Warriors website.

"It's an exciting start to the season with a repeat of last season's final at Scotstoun."

The return fixture between the sides will be at the end of March (27/28/29), but Townsend has his eyes firmly on the here and now for the Warriors.

"We're now into week five of pre-season training and the squad have been working extremely hard," he added.

"We're looking forward to playing Harlequins and London Scottish next month, before the competitive action gets underway again in September."

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