Wasps relishing opening Cup defence against Biarritz, says Gatland

LONDON WASPS will open their defence of the Heineken Cup with a Sunday showdown against Biarritz Olympique on October 24 at The Causeway Stadium.

Lawrence Dallaglio’s star-studded side will also face double Heineken Cup champions Leicester Tigers and Rugby Calvisano in Pool 1, as the cream of European club rugby set off in pursuit of a place in the Heineken Cup final, which will be staged at Murrayfield on the weekend of May 21/22 next. The 24-team six-nation tournament is celebrating its 10th anniversary this season.

“It is not a bad draw for us and it will be good to start at home,” said London Wasps director of rugby Warren Gatland.