Worcester Warriors will kick off their European Challenge Cup campaign with an away trip to Romania to face Bucuresti after the opening four dates were today confirmed.
Warriors have been drawn in Pool 2 and face Montauban, Gran Parma and Bucuresti in the cup.
And Mike Ruddock’s team open up with a trip to National Rugby Stadium “Arcul de Triumf” on Saturday, November 10 (kick off 2pm).
The first home game of the Euro draw sees Warriors welcome French seeded outfit Montauban the following Saturday, November 17 (kick off 3pm).
Warriors then face a Euro double header as they entertain Gran Parma on Saturday, December 8 (kick off 3pm) before they travel to Italy for the reverse fixture the following Saturday December 15.
Warriors final two Euro dates will be confirmed in the coming weeks.
With Spain returning to European competition for the first time since the 2004 / 2005 season, 20 teams from six nations – England, France, Ireland, Italy, Romania and Spain – will compete for the European title. Each side will play six group stage matches with the five Pool winners and three best runners-up advancing to the knock-out stages.
All 20 teams taking part next season have played in Europe before, Dax are back after last being involved in the European Challenge Cup in 2001 / 2002, while current Spanish champions Cetransa El Salvador previously competed in the tournament three years ago.
Irish province Connacht – who have played a record 71 matches in 11 seasons in the tournament – joined Bath Rugby, Montauban, Rugby Calvisano and Bayonne as the five seeded teams.
EUROPEAN CHALLENGE CUP POOLS 2007 / 2008
POOL 1: Bath Rugby, Albi, Overmach Rugby Parma, Auch
POOL 2: Montauban, Worcester Warriors, Gran Parma, Bucuresti
POOL 3: Connacht Rugby, Brive, Newcastle Falcons, Cetransa El Salvador
POOL 4: Bayonne, Sale Sharks, Petrarca Rugby, Montpellier
POOL 5: Rugby Calvisano, Castres Olympique, Leeds Carnegie, Dax