Connacht defence starts with Warriors battle

Connacht's exciting and open brand helped them to clinch their first-ever Pro12 title last season.

New for the forthcoming 2016/17 season, championship organisers have designated six 'Big Weekends'.

It will comprise special intra-union derby matches, as well as capitalising on the rivalry between the Italian and Scottish clubs.

The 'Big Weekends' include signature match-ups such as the 1872 Cup Scottish derby, the annual Leinster versus Munster game in Dublin, the Italian derby and the spectacular double header Judgement Day special between the Welsh Regions.

The season will all kick off on Friday, September 2.

Elsewhere in Round One, Leinster welcome Treviso in Dublin.

Charles Piutau could appear in an Ulster shirt for the first time at home to Newport Gwent Dragons.

Munster open up their campaign with a trip to Scarlets.

Cardiff Blues entertain Edinburgh and Zebre will head to the Ospreys.

The first 'Big Weekend' round will take place in Round Six with the clash between Leinster and Munster, headlining a weekend that also includes Connacht v Ulster, Scarlets v Dragons, Ospreys v Cardiff Blues, Edinburgh v Treviso and Zebre v Glasgow.

There are also two back-to-back 'Big Weekends' during the festive season in Round 11 and Round 12.

And the regular season will end with 'Super Saturday' and six big intra-union matches in Round 22 and include the second and final leg of the 1872 Cup between Edinburgh and the Warriors.

All Round 22 games will kick-off simultaneously to see who makes it through to the all-important semifinals.

For all the fixtures CLICK HERE!