The Champions Cup holders and two-time winners, Saracens, have been drawn in Pool 2 of the Champions Cup following the Pool Draws for EPCR's tournaments which took place today (Thursday, 8 June) in Neuchâtel, Switzerland.
Saracens, who retained their title in magnificent style in Edinburgh last month, will be up against TOP 14 winners, ASM Clermont Auvergne, in a repeat of the 2017 final, as well as Ospreys and Northampton Saints when the 2017/18 season kicks off in October.
The Premiership winners, Exeter Chiefs, have been drawn in Pool 3 with Leinster Rugby, Montpellier and Glasgow Warriors.
Scarlets, who were crowned PRO12 champions for the first time since 2004, will be in Pool 5 along with three-time winners, RC Toulon, Bath Rugby and Benetton Rugby.
Newcastle Falcons, the number-one ranked Premiership club in the Challenge Cup draw, will take on Newport Gwent Dragons, Bordeaux-Begles and Enisei-STM in Pool 1, while Cardiff Blues, the highest-ranked Guinness PRO12 representative, are in Pool 2 against Sale Sharks, Lyon and four-time European Cup winners, Toulouse.
The event, which was streamed live on epcrugby.com and official tournament Facebook channels, was compered by James Gemmell (Sky Sports) and Raphael Ibanez (France Télévisions), and the draws were conducted by Ieuan Evans (Sky Sports) and Austin Healey (BT Sport).
EPCR key dates – 2017/18 season
Round 1: 12/13/14/15 October
Round 2: 19/20/21/22 October
Round 3: 7/8/9/10 December
Round 4: 14/15/16/17 December
Round 5: 11/12/13/14 January 2018
Round 6: 18/19/20/21 January 2018
Quarter-finals: 29/30/31 March – 1 April 2018
Semi-finals: 20/21/22 April 2018
Bilbao Finals 2018
Challenge Cup final: Friday 11 May, San Mamés Stadium
Champions Cup final: Saturday 12 May, San Mamés Stadium
