|
 |
| Leicester Tigers lift the EDF Energy Cup last season |
| Leicester open EDF Energy Cup defence with Bath clash |
| 27 June 2007, 12:57 pm |
|
|
| Leicester Tigers will kick-off their defence of the EDF Energy Cup against old rivals Bath Rugby at the Recreation Ground on the weekend of October 26-28th, 2007. |
The Tigers, who defeated the Ospreys 41-35 in the Twickenham final in April, face a tough group with two of last season’s semi-finalists, Cardiff Blues and Sale Sharks, also in their pool.
The Ospreys will also be on the road for their first cup clash with an interesting away tie to Worcester Warriors while newly promoted Guinness Premiership side Leeds Carnegie will make their return to Anglo-Welsh cup rugby with a home tie against Saracens.
The EDF Energy Cup, in its third year, will again be contested by the 12 Guinness Premiership clubs and the four Welsh Magners League regions.
Three rounds of matches will be played in the four-team group stages at club grounds before the EDF Energy Cup semi-finals and the EDF Energy Cup Final which will be held on Saturday March 22nd and Saturday April 12th, 2008 respectively.
The BBC will televise the Worcester Warriors versus Ospreys round 1 match on Saturday October 27th and Leicester Tigers versus Cardiff Blues on November 3rd in round 2. Further EDF Energy Cup fixtures to be broadcast by the BBC will be announced at a later date.
“After two stirring Anglo-Welsh Finals at Twickenham and the excitement of the double-header days at the Millennium Stadium, we have been eagerly awaiting the 2007/08 competition draw,” said Terry Burwell, the Rugby Football Union’s Tournament & Competitions Director.
“Group B features three of last season’s semi-finalists and is bound to produce some fantastic matches before the Pool winner is decided. There is also the opportunity for Phil Davies to welcome his old club Leeds, now Leeds Carnegie to the stirring atmosphere of Stradey Park as well as Mike Ruddock's new club, Worcester Warriors entertaining the Ospreys, whom Ruddock coached when they were Swansea. Anglo-Welsh rivalry in the EDF Energy cup will be much in evidence.”
Mark McCafferty, Chief Executive of Premier Rugby, added: "With different pools to last season, this season's EDF Energy Cup once again promises to be a thrilling Anglo-Welsh contest. Last season the competition showed that the regions and the clubs were well matched with one welsh region and one Guinness Premiership club making it through to the EDF Energy Cup Final at Twickenham. Leicester Tigers triumphed over Ospreys so it will be interesting to see which club or region lifts the trophy this season."
Louise Poole, EDF Energy’s Head of Brand, said: “Leicester Tigers triumphed last season and I’m sure their English Guinness Premiership rivals and the Welsh Regions sides will be eager to progress and make it all the way to the final at Twickenham this time round. There were some great open matches last season, with more tries per game than in any other domestic competition, and I’m sure this season will be a fascinating and exciting contest.”
Groups
Group A
Newport Gwent Dragons
London Wasps
Gloucester Rugby
Newcastle Falcons
Group B
Cardiff Blues
Bath Rugby
Sale Sharks
Leicester Tigers
Group C
Ospreys
Harlequins
Worcester Warriors
London Irish
Group D
Llanelli Scarlets
Leeds Carnegie
Saracens
Bristol Rugby
For the full fixture list click here |
|
|
|
| Latest EDF Energy Rugby News |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EDF Energy Cup News
