The Super 14 will open in February with the tournament’s first two matches pitting Australian teams against New Zealand rivals.

The 2009 Super 14 Draw has been officially released by SANZAR, confirming seven home games for the HSBC Waratahs next season.

The CA Brumbies will take on the Australian Sevens side on Friday (21 November) as part of their pre-season preparations prior to the beginning of the 2009 Investec Super 14.

Hooker Chris Fortey will make his first Guinness Premiership start of the season after Worcester Warriors were forced to make a late change for the clash with Sale Sharks (kick-off 8pm).

The return of the Guinness Premiership this weekend sees London Irish hoping to carry the winning momentum of its recent Cup performances into Sunday's away match with Newcastle Falcons. The match kicks-off at 3.00pm at Kingston Park, Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

After a five week break from Guinness Premiership action, Ian McGeechan has today named a Wasps side littered with youth and experience ahead of Sunday's trip to Twickenham Stoop for the first local derby between the two sides this season.