Tough LV= draw for Glaws
By Cherry Picker
August 3 2011
Reigning champions Gloucester have been handed a tough set of fixtures as they begind their defence of the LV= Cup, Leicester, Cardiff Blues and London Irish amongst their opponents in the first phase of the competition.
It won't really be easy when they begin their defence of the trophy at home to Sale Sharks in mid-October, a week after visiting Edgeley Park in the Premiership.
The cherry and whites go to Welford Road to play Leicester a week later, Cardiff Blues visit Kingsholm (Jan 27-29) and Glaws are away to Irish on the weekend of February 3-5.
Coach Bryan Redpath told the Citizen: “we are also now involved in the Heineken Cup and we will have to be on top form in terms of our fitness and attitude if we want to be successful in both competitions.
"The LV=Cup has been an integral part of our season in recent times. We've made the final three years in a row and last season's win secured our place in Europe. We've seen many young players develop as a result of playing in the tournament and having that pathway available is the foundation of any successful club.”
Full draw details:
Pool 1: Saracens, Bath Rugby, London Wasps, Ospreys
Pool 2: Leicester Tigers, London Irish, Sale Sharks, Cardiff Blues
Pool 3: Gloucester Rugby, Harlequins, Newcastle Falcons, Scarlets
Pool 4: Northampton Saints, Exeter Chiefs, Worcester Warriors, Dragons
Teams in Pool 1 play teams in Pool 4 and teams in Pool 2 play teams in Pool 3.The top teams from each pool qualify for the semi finals