Lions, who make their EPCR competition bow with a trip to Worcester Warriors on the weekend of December 9-11, hand a debut to summer signing Marius Louw, with Springbok international Andries Coetzee returning to the club from Benetton Rugby.

Cardiff Rugby, who host CA Brive when the EPCR Challenge Cup kicks-off later this year, host Munster Rugby. Director of rugby Dai Young hands starts to new signings Liam Williams and Taulupe Faletau.

Meanwhile, Connacht Rugby, who welcome Newcastle Falcons in the opening round of EPCR action, travel to Ulster Rugby this weekend. Five uncapped players could make their first appearances for the club, with Peter Dooley, Josh Murphy, Byron Ralston named in XV and Shamus Hurley-Langton and David Hawkshaw named amongst the replacements.

Centre Jonathan Davies will lead Scarlets when they host Ospreys at Parc y Scarlets. Davies heads into his 14th season with the Welsh region. Scarlets host Aviron Bayonnais in the opening round of the EPCR Challenge Cup in December.

Fellow Welsh region Dragons make the trip to DAM Health Stadium to take on Edinburgh Rugby and name five summer signings in the XV; Bradley Roberts, Sean Lonsdale, JJ Hanrahan, Sio Tomkinson and Angus O’Brien.

Elsewhere, Zebre Parma, who have a home tie against RC Toulon to kick-off their EPCR campaign, host Leinster Rugby.

In the Gallagher Premiership, EPCR Challenge Cup contenders do battle as Wasps take on Bristol Bears.

Wasps, who start their Pool B campaign against Dragons, recall Jack Willis to the starting XV from the side that lost 21-27 to Gloucester Rugby last weekend.

Bristol, meanwhile, name Luke Morahan in the starting XV, the wing set to make his 100th appearance for the club – becoming the 47th player to reach the milestone, and the first Australian.

Newcastle travel to Leicester Tigers hoping to build on an impressive offensive display in their 31-40 reverse against Harlequins. Director of rugby Dean Richards makes two changes, George Wacokecoke and Carl Fearns the insertions into the XV.

Meanwhile, Bath Rugby, Glasgow Warriors’ opposition in their EPCR opener, host Sale Sharks and make five changes to the starting XV; Wesley White, Lewis Boyce, Joe Cokanasiga, Jonathan Joseph and Will Muir the incoming quintet.

On Sunday, Worcester Warriors welcome Heineken Champions Cup opposition in Exeter Chiefs.

In the TOP 14, Stade Français Paris host Bayonne in an all-EPCR Challenge Cup matchup, Brive welcome Montpellier Herault Rugby, USAP travel to Stade Rochelais and Section Paloise entertain Stade Toulousain. On Sunday, RC Toulon host ASM Clermont Auvergne.

Ahead of their debut season in the EPCR Challenge Cup, South African outfit Lions host Bulls in the opening round of the United Rugby Championship.