Edinburgh head coach Andy Robinson is looking forward to gauging his team's progress after the Magners League fixture list threw up an opening clash against European champions Munster.

The Irish side visit Murrayfield on September 5 for their first competitive match since lifting the Heineken Cup.

Robinson is sure the addition of Scotland internationals Chris Paterson and Jim Hamilton has strengthened his team and some testing pre-season games will prove suitable preparation.

Robinson said: "In our warm-up matches we will be facing the English champions (Wasps) and the European Challenge Cup champions (Bath).

"Then our opening two competitive matches will be against the European champions and the Magners League champions (Leinster), so we fully understand the task ahead.

"We have been handed a tough start but it will give the players an early opportunity to measure how far we have progressed over the course of the summer programme."

Robinson further added to his squad today by handing Bruce McNeil a professional contract.

The 25-year-old National Academy graduate has signed a two-year deal after impressing with Heriot's.

McNeil said: "Training with Andy has been a great experience - you listen to everything he says because there is always a motive behind it.

"I love his winning attitude and his hardness. He is straight to the point all the time and he never messes about. I like his direct approach and I think I will continue to learn from working with him.

"When players are away on international duty with Scotland, hopefully I will have done enough to be given a chance."

Robinson said: "Bruce is a very promising prop and his willingness to both learn and adapt suggests he has a very bright future.

"We are always actively looking to promote young Scottish talent and Bruce will now have a chance to show what he is capable of."

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