EDF Cup energised by new draw

The draw for the 2007/8 EDF Energy Anglo-Welsh Cup has been made, with the pools not split along regional lines as before.

Holders Leicester, who are in Group B, were drawn against old rivals Bath, with Cardiff Blues and Sale completing a tough-looking pool.

Last season’s runners-up, the Ospreys, were pitted against Mike Ruddock’s Worcester, with London Irish and Harlequins making up Group C.

Newport Gwent Dragons, Gloucester, Wasps and Newcastle form Group A, while Llanelli Scarlets are alongside Leeds, Saracens and Bristol in Group D.

Of the Welsh regions, the Scarlets and Dragons have two home and one away fixture in the pool rounds, while the Blues and Ospreys will have to travel twice.

EDF Energy Cup Pools 2007/8:

Pool A: Dragons, Wasps, Gloucester, Newcastle
Pool B: Blues, Bath, Sale, Leicester
Pool C: Ospreys, Harlequins, Worcester, London Irish
Pool D: Scarlets, Leeds, Saracens, Bristol

Round One: 26-8 October (full fixtures tbc)
Round Two: 2-4 November (full fixtures tbc)
Round Three: 30 November – 2 December (full fixtures tbc)