New format for Challenge Cup

Connacht, semi-finalists for the past two years, have welcomed the new format for the European Challenge Cup which next season will be run on a pool system similar to the Heineken Cup.

Connacht CEO Gerry Kelly said that the new system of five pools of four teams was a welcome development and would add greatly to the appeal of the competition.

Connacht, seeded after their exploits last season will face Guinness Premiership side Worcester Warriors, Montpellier from France and Italians Amatori Catania.

There was a sigh of relief in the Sportsground when Connacht managed to avoid Narbonne, having faced the French side in each of the last four years.

London Irish have been given a tough draw and will face Agen, Rugby Parma and Pau, who were runners-up last season having defeated the exiles en route to the final.