GLASGOW head coach Gregor Townsend has been handed a testing start to his first ever RaboDirect PRO12 campaign in charge of Glasgow.
Warriors will open their bid for glory with a daunting away trip to Ulster, who are also in Glasgow's Heineken Cup Pool section, on the weekend beginning September 7.
That will be followed by the visit of Welsh cracks the Scarlets the following weekend for the historic first ever Pro12 fixture at Scotstoun with another away day at Ospreys to follow.
Townsend said: "Ulster away is a tough prospect for any side on the opening day and the fact we have them in the Heineken Cup will bring extra emphasise to this game.
"Next up we have the Scarlets coming to Scotstoun for the first ever PRO12 fixture and a re-union with their old boy Sean Lamont. Hopefully that one will be a sell out and a cracking game of attacking rugby.
"Then we are away at Ospreys so the first three fixtures are toughies but we will be up for the challenge they pose."
Glasgow have been handed home advantage in the first leg of the 1872 Cup with Edinburgh and Townsend said: "Coaching Glasgow in my first ever 1872 Cup game will be a high point for me in my first season in charge."