THE Ospreys open the defence of the Magners League title against Ulster at Ravenhill tonight (7.05) with Sean Holley urging his players to confound the odds and create Celtic rugby history.

Seeking to become the first side to successfully defend the championship, the Liberty Stadium team kick off proceedings already trailing their rivals because of the four-point penalty imposed on them at the end of last season.

Their appeal against that and a £100,000 fine will be heard on Tuesday, but Holley has told his squad they shouldn't worry about the outcome and instead focus on getting the Ospreys off to a flier.

''The points deduction isn't something we can afford to worry about,'' said the region's head coach.

''There's an ongoing appeal, so we have to see it as something the board and the powers that be will hopefully resolve.

''I'd assume it is realistic to hope it can be resolved, but I don't really know.

''All we have to do is concentrate on our rugby, starting against Ulster this evening.

''If it turns out that the four-point deduction sticks, then we'll just have to make it up.

''My mindset is we lost our first two home games last year yet still went on to win the title.''

And the pull of history is encouraging the Ospreys to try to achieve what no other Magners League champion team has managed, namely to follow up a Celtic silverware success with another one.

''It is a fantastic incentive for us,'' said Holley.

''There have been some good sides who have tried and failed to win back-to-back titles in this league, ourselves included, so this group of players will know they have the opportunity to do something special.

''Of course, it will be tough — anything worth achieving is tough. But if you can do it, it means you have created a bit of history.''

Celtic Rugby punished the Ospreys for postponing the Magners League game with Ulster on March 19.

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