Cardiff Blues have been drawn in a tough group for next seasons EDF Energy Cup.
In Pool B the Blues will face the current holders Leicester Tigers, as well as previous semi-finalists Sale Sharks and Bath Rugby.
The first round kicks off on the weekend of the 26/27/28 October when the Blues welcome Sale Sharks to the Arms Park. They then face holders Leicester Tigers at Welford Road before the final pool match against Bath at the Recreation Ground.
Speaking after the draw, David Young said,
We really enjoyed the tournament last season. I think it was great experience for the players, coaches and the fans playing against our English rivals.
Obviously its going to be difficult for us this season with one home and two away matches.
Bath are always a difficult team to beat at the Rec and Im sure last years winners Leicester will be determined to keep hold of the cup.
Sale Sharks were hit heavily by injuries last season but when they have a fit squad they are a threat to most teams, so its not going to be easy.
Entry to the Cardiff Blues v Sale Sharks match is free to all those who purchase a Cardiff Blues season ticket. Season tickets are available now through contacting the Ticket Office on 029 2030 2030.
Group A
Newport Gwent Dragons
London Wasps
Gloucester Rugby
Newcastle Falcons
Group B
Cardiff Blues
Bath Rugby
Sale Sharks
Leicester Tigers
Group C
Ospreys
Harlequins
Worcester Warriors
London Irish
Group D
Llanelli Scarlets
Leeds Carnegie
Saracens
Bristol Rugby
Fixtures - Dates to be confirmed
EDF Round 1 - Oct 26/27/28
Group A Newport Gwent Dragons v London Wasps
Group A Gloucester Rugby v Newcastle Falcons
Group B Bath Rugby v Leicester Tigers
Group B Cardiff Blues v Sale Sharks
Group C London Irish v Harlequins
Group C Worcester Warriors v Ospreys
Group D Bristol Rugby v Llanelli Scarlets
Group D Leeds Carnegie v Saracens
EDF Round 2 - Nov 2/3/4
Group A London Wasps v Gloucester Rugby
Group A Newcastle Falcons v Newport Gwent Dragons
Group B Leicester Tigers v Cardiff Blues
Group B Sale Sharks v Bath Rugby
Group C Harlequins v Worcester Warriors
Group C Ospreys v London Irish
Group D Llanelli Scarlets v Leeds Carnegie
Group D Saracens v Bristol Rugby
EDF Round 3 - Nov 30 / Dec 01/ Dec 02
Group A Newport Gwent Dragons v Gloucester Rugby
Group A London Wasps v Newcastle Falcons
Group B Bath Rugby v Cardiff Blues
Group B Leicester Tigers v Sale Sharks
Group C London Irish v Worcester Warriors
Group C Harlequins v Ospreys
Group D Bristol Rugby v Leeds Carnegie
Group D Llanelli Scarlets v Saracens