The PRO14 will return on Friday, August 21 as Benetton take on Zebre in Treviso before Irish rivals Leinster and Munster go head-to-head at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday.

In a season which has been shortened due to the coronavirus pandemic, teams will play two rounds before they head into the play-offs.

A statement read: “An abbreviated schedule will see the 2019/20 PRO14 regular season run to 15 rounds followed by semi-finals and a final across four consecutive weeks.

“Round 14 will kick-off in Italy on Friday, August 21 with Benetton Rugby welcoming Zebre to Treviso before a jam-packed Saturday schedule delivers a feast of mouth-watering derby action in the UK and Ireland.

“In Wales, Scarlets face Cardiff Blues in Llanelli upon their return to rugby with head coach Glenn Delaney taking charge of the hosts for the very first time.

“That game will be followed by Edinburgh’s clash with Glasgow Warriors in the Scottish capital and the final game on Saturday sees Munster visit Aviva Stadium in Dublin, where Leinster are looking to extend their record unbeaten run of 14 games in the PRO14.”

There are only six matches scheduled in Rounds 14 and 15 with the South African derby between the Cheetahs and Southern Kings yet to be confirmed.

The respective sides have only just returned to non-contact training, which means that they are behind the European-based squads in their preparation.

David Jordan, tournament director of the PRO14, said: “So far we have been encouraged by the developments that have allowed all of our teams to return to training. Thanks to the great efforts of our clubs and unions, the willingness of governments and the support of our broadcasters we now have a fixture list to look forward to.

“Everyone who makes our games possible has had to adapt to a new way of working under the restrictions of the pandemic and the response of all our key stakeholders has been very impressive. With these fixtures now confirmed we are all geared to safe delivery of these games and to the welcome return of rugby after such a long period without the sport.”