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The 2008-9 Top 14 fixtures were announced on Monday with several key clashes lined up for the opening round on August 26.

Defending champions Toulouse travel to Montpellier, who recently announced the signing of All Blacks veteran Justin Marshall.

In a twist of fate, Marshall will line up opposite Toulouse's scrum-half Byron Kelleher (pictured), his deputy for the All Blacks number nine jersey for several seasons.

The sub-plot of Marshall's battle with Kelleher should be worth the admission price along.

Last season's losing finalists Clermont are also given an early opportunity to test the credentials of Toulon, who won promotion along with Mont-de-Marsan.

New Zealand international Jerry Collins is due to bolster Toulon's already star-studded squad, but they will be pushed hard by Clermont, who finished the regular season top of the standings.

Perpignan and Stade Francais, last season's losing semi-finalists, face Brive at home and an away trip to Dax respectively.

Mont-de-Marsan are likely to struggle in France's top flight and facing a challenging away trip to Montauban on the opening day.

The season comes to a close on June 6 at the Stade de France, leaving France coach Marc Lievremont little time to prepare for the summer tour of New Zealand which kicks off with the first Test a week later.

Top 14 - Round 1 (August 26)

Perpignan v Brive

Castres v Bayonne

Dax v Stade Français

Toulon v Clermont

Montpellier v Toulouse

Montauban v Mont-de-Marsan

Biarritz v Bourgoin

Terence O'Rorke / Eurosport