Draw made for Heineken Cup
The pool draw has today been made for the 2012/13 Henieken Cup.
Heineken Cup debutants Exeter have been given a tough introduction to the tournament after being drawn in a group containing reigning champions Leinster, Clermont Auvergne and Scarlets.
Connacht face Biarritz, Harlequins and Italian side Zebre, who have replaced Aironi Rugby in the RaboDirect PRO12, in Pool Three.
While the participation of English and French clubs in the tournament for the next two seasons are guaranteed, their ongoing involvement has been placed in doubt.
Premier Rugby yesterday confirmed their intention to withdraw from the Heineken and Amlin Challenge Cups after giving notice, effective from June 1, under the terms of the European Rugby Cup Accord.
The notice period expires at the end of the 2013/2014 tournament at which time the Accord will terminate.
The English clubs – and their French counterparts – are concerned by the format of the competitions and the qualification process.
“We hope that there will now be an urgent dialogue about the future of European cup rugby, including qualification, competition formats and ambition to expand into new markets,” Premiership Rugby chief executive Mark McCafferty said.
Pool 1
Munster Rugby
Edinburgh Rugby
Saracens
Racing Metro 92
Pool 2
Toulouse
Leicester
Ospreys
Benetton Treviso
Pool 3
Biarritz
Harlequins
Connacht
Zebre
Pool 4
Northampton Saints
Ulster
Glasgow Warriors
Castres Olympique
Pool 5
Leinster Rugby
ASM Clermont Auvergne
Scarlets
Exeter Chiefs
Pool Six
Cardiff Blues
RC Toulon
Sale Sharks
Montpellier
The final will take place in Dublin May 18 at 5pm.
Report to follow.
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