The second of Europe's big three leagues kicks-off this weekend with the start of the Guinness Pro12.

Glasgow Warriors added a new name to the trophy after 14 years in May with their Grand Final triumph over Munster. It was the first time a Scottish side had claimed the title after 14 years but proved the four-nation competition is now wide open.

For Gregor Townsend’s side, success in Europe is the next frontier having qualified for the Champions Cup as top seeds, but first they open the defence of their title against Scarlets. The champions could have close to a full 15 missing through the World Cup but Townsend is resigned to that as a consequence of the success of his side last season.

“It’s a fact of life. The great thing is that our players are going to play in the World Cup. They’re going to come back better players and it will be great to watch them on that stage. It shows our club in a good light,” said Townsend.

Glasgow are certainly not alone with the Pro12 providing more players for the World Cup than any other league.
That will stretch the resources of many though Townsend has still tipped former champions Leinster Rugby to bounce back from the shock of finishing fifth last season.

That saw the Dubliners miss out on the play-offs for the first time, the departure of Australian Matt O’Connor and appointment of former lock Leo Cullen as head coach. Leinster start their rebuilding at Murrayfield against Challenge Cup finalists Edinburgh Rugby.

“Who would have thought last season that Leinster wouldn’t make the semis having made the last four or five finals? I think there will be challenges from elsewhere this year. Connacht had a really great season last year and could really attack this World Cup period with a lot of confidence," added Townsend.

“I believe Edinburgh are going to be a real threat. They showed a lot of improvement during last season, have some key forwards back from injury and have signed the Super Rugby-winning captain in Nasi Manu. So watch out for them.”

Munster Rugby welcome Benetton Treviso to Musgrave Park hoping for a similar start to last season when they won their opening six games, yet were still unable to deny Glasgow the title. Last season's beaten semi-finalists, Ulster Rugby and the Ospreys, clash at the Kingspan Stadium with Rob Herring taking over the captaincy from Rory Best.

Last season's European Challenge Cup semi-finalists Newport Gwent Dragons travel to Galway to face Connacht Rugby but will be without promising young centre Jack Dixon for the start of the campaign. Cardiff Blues hope to kick-off the new season where they left off the last having won at home to Zebre in May.