The GUINNESS PRO12 guide to local derbies in 2014/15

The GUINNESS PRO12, rugby's premier professional club competition in Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales, today announced the fixtures for the 2014/2015 season.

And they threw up a rematch of last year's final between Glasgow Warriors and reigning champions Leinster on the opening weekend - to be played between September 5 and 7.

But, delving further into the list, some intriguing battles lay ahead in the battle for the title - and for local pride.

Newport Gwent Dragons will host Welsh rivals the Ospreys in the first derby of the season in Round 2, while hot on the heels of that will follow the all-Irish contest between Connacht and Leinster in Round 3.

The traditional Christmas bouts between neighbours will continue, with the first Scottish derby between the Warriors and Edinburgh taking place between December 26 and 28 at Scotstoun.

Last season the 1872 Cup went to Glasgow after a 20-16 triumph on Murrayfield soil was followed by a pulsating 37-34 victory in the rearranged fixture at Scotstoun in April.

This time the return fixture is scheduled in for the New Year (between January 2 and 4) in a busy festive period for those who live close by.

Italian sides Zebre and Treviso also lock horns in Rounds 11 and 12, while Munster will host reigning champions Leinster in the first of their eagerly-awaited double-header.

Elsewhere Cardiff Blues will welcome Newport Gwent Dragons, the Ospreys play host to the Scarlets while Ravenhill will be the venue for Ulster and Connacht's first clash of the campaign - all of which to be played in a three-day window after Christmas.

And, if that wasn't enough, with the new European Rugby Champions Cup final now moved forward to early May, GUINNESS PRO12 fans can look forward to the league running from Round 22 all the way to the final in three consecutive weeks.

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