British and Irish Lions

The team from Scotland's capital face European Cup giants Munster on the first weekend in September as their league campaign begins at Murrayfield.

That will pit Edinburgh's improving pack, including new lock Jim Hamilton, against Lions second-rowers Paul O'Connell and Donncha O'Callaghan and Ireland No. 8 Denis Leamy.

It might also see another new signing, Chris Paterson, take on Ronan O'Gara in a battle of international stand-offs - though Phil Godman will hope to be handed the No. 10 shirt by Robinson.

The following weekend Edinburgh will travel to Dublin to take on Celtic League defending champions Leinster, with the likes of Brian O'Driscoll in their ranks.

Robinson is excited by the host of international players which his side will face in the opening two games of their new league season.

The former England coach said: "Munster have got some fine players and a proud tradition, so we will be looking forward to kicking off our Celtic League campaign in front of a big, vocal crowd at Murrayfield."

Less than 24 hours after losing their unbeaten record in Canberra, the British & Irish Lions were given a huge boost on arrival in Brisbane when Wales wing George North was declared fit to play in the first Test on Saturday.

Qantas Wallaby wonder scrum half Will Genia is ready to torment the British & Irish Lions and end any hopes of a first Test series win in 16 years this month.

Geoff Parling has revealed that the Brumbies taught the British & Irish Lions a lesson in what it means to teams and players in Australia to beat the tourists.