Heineken Cup: Northampton face three-time European champions Leinster

Pool stages for the Heineken Cup revealed

Wednesday 05 June 2013 15:54 BST
Comments
Jonny Wilkinson lifts 2012/13 Heineken Cup
Jonny Wilkinson lifts 2012/13 Heineken Cup (Getty images)

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.

Northampton will face reigning Amlin Challenge Cup champions and three-time European champions Leinster in the pool stages of next season's Heineken Cup.

Northampton, who lost out to Leinster in the 2011 final at Cardiff, have also drawn French Top 14 champions Castres and RaboDirect PRO12 side Ospreys in what looks to be the toughest pool.

Reigning champions Toulon will face sides from England, Scotland and Wales as they must overcome Cardiff Blues, Glasgow and Exeter if they are to advance from Pool 2 as they bid to retain their title.

Saracens will face four-time Heineken Cup winners Toulouse, Connacht and Italian side Zebre in Pool three, while Aviva Premiership champions Leicester appear to have been given a favourable draw against Ulster, Montpellier and Treviso.

Clermont, who topped the French championship at the end of the normal season and were runners-up to Toulon in last season's competition, will meet Harlequins, Scarlets and Racing Metro in the only pool with two French teams.

Meanwhile, in Pool 6, two-time champions Munster will face Perpignan, who return to the premier European competition after a two-year absence, Edinburgh and Gloucester.

PA

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in