Worcester Warriors will kick-off the EDF Energy Cup campaign against London Irish at Sixways Stadium in this year’s competition.
Mike Ruddock’s men are scheduled to welcome the Exiles to new-look Sixways Stadium on the weekend of October 3/4/5 after the draw for the competition was made today.
Warriors – who are in the same group as last season – next face a daunting trip to the Liberty Stadium to tackle defending champions Ospreys as they seek revenge after defeat to the Welsh superstars last season.
New signing Matthew Jones will be particularly keen to figure in the game as the fly half comes face-to-face with his former club for the first time on the weekend of October 24/25/26.
The Pool C fixtures are completed when Warriors entertain Harlequins on home soil on November 1/2.
The EDF Energy Cup, in its fourth year, will again be contested by the 12 Guinness Premiership clubs and the four Welsh Magners League regions.
Three rounds of matches will be played in the four-team group stages at club grounds before the EDF Energy Cup semi-finals and final which will be held on the weekends of March 28 and April 18 respectively.
EDF Energy Cup Tournament Director Terry Burwell said: “The EDF Energy Cup has provided some fantastic rugby over the last three years and we are anticipating more this season.
“There is a genuine affection for cup rugby among players and supporters, as shown by the 65,000 who turned out for last April’s final at Twickenham.”
EDF Energy Cup 08/09:
Group A: Newport Gwent Dragons, Wasps, Gloucester, Newcastle
Group B: Bath, Leicester, Sale, Cardiff
Group C: Ospreys, Warriors, Harlequins, London Irish
Group D: Northampton Saints, Saracens, Bristol, Llanelli