Leinster land straightforward pool

HEINEKEN CUP champions Leinster received a relatively easy start to the defence of their title but there will be a sense of foreboding in Thomond Park and Ravenhill after yesterday’s pool draws for the 2011/12 campaign.

Joe Schmidt’s side face Bath, Glasgow Warriors and Montpellier in Pool Three while Tony McGahan’s men were drawn against beaten finalists Northampton, old rivals Castres along with Llanelli Scarlets in Pool One.

Ulster’s Pool Four is made up of Leicester Tigers, Clermont Auvergne and Aironi while Biarritz, Ospreys, Saracens and Treviso are in Pool Five.