Edinburgh Gunners chief executive Nick Oswald is urging both the Scottish professional teams to use the new Celtic League as a springboard to success for the rest of the season.

The Gunners and the Glasgow Warriors open their Celtic League seasons against Munster and Leinster respectively tomorrow evening.

But Oswald believes that success in the competition, which includes pro teams from Ireland, Scotland and Wales, could spark the rest of the season at club and international level.

``Our coaches are very excited about the season ahead and this is an early opportunity for Scottish teams to make their mark and set the tone for the new campaign,'' said Oswald.

``Qualification for the knockout stages of the Celtic League would be a major confidence boost prior to the re-arranged Scotland v Ireland Six Nations match next month and the Heineken Cup one week later.''

Oswald believes that the new competition will continue the success of the Welsh/Scottish League.

``I see the new Celtic League as a natural evolution in the development of professional rugby in the northern hemisphere,'' said Oswald.

``The Welsh/Scottish League has been very good for us over the last two seasons and has exposed us to the challenges of regular hard competitive rugby every week.

``In turn, this has prepared us for the rigours of the Heineken Cup and the top players for Test rugby.

``But the Celtic League offers new possibilities and a new level of competition embracing the best of Scotland, Ireland and Wales.''

Warriors chief executive David Jordan has urged patience from all to allow the new tournament to find its feet.

``I think the Celtic League will take time to become the significant tournament I'm sure it will become,'' said Jordan.

``It took the Heineken Cup five years to become what it is today. The Celtic League has that opportunity as well.

``We are obviously delighted with the new competition and that we have the opportunity to play the likes of Leinster and Ulster on a regular basis.

``I dare say that the competition will evolve and change in time but ultimately, alongside the Heineken Cup, it will provide us with two very attractive competitions.

``We have seen a significant uplift in the interest attached to Glasgow Rugby and we are looking forward to a good season.''