Ulster face Anglo-Welsh cup test

Ulster will play English and Welsh opposition in the newly formed British and Irish Cup.

The Ravenhill side are in Pool B with Moseley, Bedford Blues, London Welsh, Aberavon and Llanelli.

Games will be played over five weekends during the autumn international and Six Nations windows with the semis and finals staged on 24 April and 15 May.

Heineken Cup champions Leinster and Magners League winners Munster are also in the 24-team competition.

Terry Burwell from the Rugby Football Union feels the new competition will renew both local and inter-nation rivalries.

"Since announcing the British & Irish Cup there has been growing interest in this tournament," said Burwell.

"We believe that the fixtures these pools throw up will provide a level of cup competition that will excite players, coaches and supporters."

Leinster travel to the Brickfields in Plymouth during the opening weekend of the Cup.

Pool Draw for British & Irish Cup

POOL A: Exeter Chiefs, Leinster, Cornish Pirates, Newport, Plymouth Albion, The Thistles

POOL B: Coventry, Bristol Rugby, Heriot's, Munster, Neath, Nottingham

POOL C: Aberavon, Bedford Blues, Llanelli, London Welsh, Moseley, Ulster

POOL D: Ayr, Birmingham & Solihull, Cardiff, Doncaster Knights, Pontypridd, Rotherham Titans

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