London trio handed tough Heineken Cup assignments
PREMIERSHIP champions Saracens have avoided the big-hitters in the draw for the group stages of next season’s Heineken Cup, but capital rivals London Irish and Harlequins have not been so fortunate.
Sarries have swerved any previous winners of Europe’s premier competition and line-up in Pool 5 alongside two-time finalists Biarritz, Welsh region Ospreys and Treviso.
The Exiles have been plunged into a group with 2009 semi-finalists Cardiff Blues, Scottish outfit Edinburgh and Racing Metro.
Amlin Challenge Cup winners Harlequins, meanwhile, will face Toulouse, fellow Premiership side Gloucester and Connacht.
HEINEKEN CUP DRAW
POOL ONE: Munster, Northampton, Scarlets, Castres Olympique
POOL TWO: Cardiff Blues, London Irish, Edinburgh, Racing Metro 92
POOL THREE: Leinster, Bath Rugby, Glasgow Warriors, Montpellier
POOL FOUR: Leicester, Clermont Auvergne, Ulster, Aironi Rugby
POOL FIVE: Biarritz Olympique, Ospreys, Saracens, Benetton Treviso
POOL SIX: Toulouse, Harlequins, Gloucester Rugby, Connacht Rugby