Bath face a tough time in Europe
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Bath face a severe test of their credentials in the Heineken Europe Cup this season after being drawn in the same group as the holders, Brive, and the Welsh champions, Pontypridd.
The West Country men face a stiff task in their quest to seal a quarter- final berth in a new, expanded competition. Their opening game sees a repeat of last year's pool match against Pontypridd in Sardis Road. Bath lost on that occasion and will realise the extent of their task this year.
The 20 top clubs, provinces and districts in Europe have been split into five pools for the third year of the competition, which will be televised by Sky TV. Prize money has increased from pounds 140,000 last season to pounds 400,000. This time it has been introduced from the quarter-final stage, with each of the last eight collecting pounds 15,000. From the semi-finals onwards the money has been doubled - pounds 40,000 for each of the last four and another pounds 60,000 for the finalists.
With each competing team also having the revenue to bank from one extra home match next season, they can look forward to a huge increase on their pool gate receipts.
"We are looking forward to an even better competition this year. Everyone is more experienced in European rugby and fully aware of what is required to succeed," said Tom Kiernan, the chairman of European Rugby Cup Ltd.
The six rounds of pool matches, with each team playing their group opponents home and away for the first time, will take place on consecutive weekends from 6 September through to 12 October.
The five pool winners will automatically qualify for the quarter-finals, while the remaining three places will be decided in play-offs due to be played on the first weekend in November. Those matches will be played between the five pool runners-up and the best-placed third team from the five pools.
The Courage League champions, Wasps, are joined in Pool B by Swansea, Glasgow and Ulster. Last year's beaten finalists, Leicester, are drawn in the same group as the team they beat in the semi-finals, Toulouse, together with Leinster and Milan.
Wales have still to decide their last two teams in the competition. Cardiff and Llanelli booked their places but are currently in dispute with the Welsh Rugby Union over a "golden share" issue, and have been threatened with eviction from Europe if they do not accept the terms.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments