THE DRAW FOR the first-ever European Rugby Challenge Cup took place in Switzerland this afternoon and here are the pools, including Connacht’s.
Pat Lam’s men, who have recruited impressively ahead of next season, will face English Premiership side Exeter Chiefs, and Top 14 outfits Bayonne and La Rochelle in Pool 2 of the second-tier competition.
The Chiefs include Irishmen Gareth Steenson, Ian Whitten and Ryan Caldwell in their squad, offering up an interesting test, while the trips to France should be popular with Connacht fans.
The pool draw for the 2014/15 Rugby Champions Cup, including Leinster, Munster and Ulster, will follow shortly.
Pools for the 2014/15 European Rugby Challenge Cup:
Pool 1
Cardiff Blues, London Irish, Grenoble, FIRA 1.
Pool 2
Exeter Chiefs, Bayonne, Connacht, La Rochelle.
Pool 3
Stade Français, Newport-Gwent Dragons, Newcastle, FIRA 2.
Pool 4
Edinburgh Rugby, Bordeaux-Bègles, London Welsh, Lyon.
Pool 5
Gloucester, Brive, Zebre, Oyonnax.
Pool stage dates:
Round 1: 16/17/18/19 October 2014
Round 2: 23/24/25/26 October 2014
Round 3: 4/5/6/7 December 2014
Round 4: 11/12/13/14 December 2014
Round 5: 15/16/17/18 January 2015
Round 6: 22/23/24/25 January 2015