Munster and Ulster have named their 34-man squads for this year's Heineken European Cup. Munster open their bid to win the trophy with the help former All Black Christian Cullen, who is the first name on the squad sheet.

Facing Bourgoin on Saturday, December 6th, Munster will be without Alan Quinlan, Denis Leamy and Mike Prendergast.

Leamy and Prendergast are suffering from cruciate ligament injuries, while Quinlan will take some time to recover from a damaged shoulder he suffered when scoring Ireland's first try against Argentina in the World Cup.

Leamy, unfortunately, suffered his injury last Friday night in Munster's Celtic League game against Edinburgh.

Coach Alan Gaffney's side play their first home game in the competition against Benetton Treviso in Thomond Park a week later, Saturday, December 13th.

Ulster, meanwhile, must travel to Gwent Dragons for their opening match on Sunday, December 8th, while Leinster face Biarritz Olympique in Dublin the previous day.

For those fans who cannot make it to the grounds, the ERC have also announced details of their television schedule for the first four rounds of matches.

New ERC broadcast partners, Sky Sports, have taken up the contract, although RTÉ will also be showing the Irish games.The rematch of last season's quarter-final between Leinster and Biarritz Olympique will be broadcast live by both RTÉ and Sky Sports.

Leinster have decided to play their home pool games in Lansdowne Road this season.

Munster's match the following week will also be covered by the national broadcaster. Out of the 48 pool games, 21 are expected to be televised.