Connacht learn European Challenge Cup opponents

Connacht will face Worcester, Montpellier and Amatori Catania in the new look European Challenge Cup.

Today’s draw in Dublin included 20 teams from six countries, replacing last year’s knock-out format and the European Challenge Shield.

The five pool winners and the three best runners-up qualify for the knock-out stages, qualifying for the quarter-finals.

The competition has been restructured from a knockout format to guarantee each of the 20 clubs a minimum of six games – three home and three away.

The change was assisted by a reduced number of sides playing European rugby this year.

London Irish have been drawn into pool two with Agen, Pau and Rugby Parma.

:: European Challenge Cup 2005-06 pools:

Pool 1: Viadana, Narbonne, Northampton Saints, Bristol

Pool 2: Agen, London Irish, Rugby Parma, Pau

Pool 3: Gloucester, Bayonne, Toulon, Bucuresti

Pool 4: The Borders, Brive, Newcastle Falcons, L’Aquila

Pool 5: Connacht, Montpellier, Worcester, Amatori Catania.