Leinster to face Clermont once more

Rugby:Defending champions Leinster will have to do it the hard way if they are to repeat their remarkable unbeaten European campaign in next year's Heineken Cup after been pitted against ASM Clermont Auvergne in this morning's draw.

Joe Schmidt’s side overcame the French outfit in the semi-finals in May, a frantic finish seeing them over the line in Bordeaux, but Leinster have never avoided defeat in Clermont’s imposing home at Stade Marcel Michelin. Leinster will also be up against the Llanelli Scarlets and Heineken Cup newcomers Exeter Chiefs.

Munster, with two European titles of their own, can’t have too many complaints with Edinburgh, Saracens and Racing Metro 92 standing between them and a place in the knockout stages. Beaten finalists Ulster will take on Northampton, Glasgow and Castres.

And Connacht, making a second appearance in the top tier of European competition, were drawn against Biarritz, Harlequins and Zebre. Next year's final will take place at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

The ongoing row over the competition format, meanwhile, continues to rumble on and although the participation of English and French clubs in the tournament for the next two seasons are guaranteed, their involvement beyond that has been placed in doubt.

Premier Rugby yesterday confirmed their intention to withdraw from the Heineken and Amlin Challenge Cups after giving notice, effective from June 1st, under the terms of the European Rugby Cup Accord.

The notice period expires at the end of the 2013/2014 tournament at which time the Accord will terminate. The English clubs — and their French counterparts — are concerned by the format of the competitions and the qualification process.

“We hope that there will now be an urgent dialogue about the future of European cup rugby, including qualification, competition formats and ambition to expand into new markets,” Premiership Rugby chief executive Mark McCafferty said.

Pool 1

Munster
Edinburgh
Saracens
Racing Metro 92

Pool 2

Toulouse
Leicester Tigers
Ospreys
Benetton Treviso

Pool 3

Biarritz Olympique
Harlequins
Connacht
Zebre

Pool 4

Northampton Saints
Ulster
Glasgow Warriors
Castres Olympique

Pool 5

Leinster
ASM Clermont Auvergne
Scarlets
Exeter Chiefs

Pool 6

Cardiff Blues
Toulon
Sale Sharks
Montpellier