Munster get favourable draw as Champions Cup pools revealed

We can't wait!

Leinster, who were defeated by Northampton in last season's semi-finals, have been drawn in Pool 3, alongside Leicester Tigers, Harlequins, Stade Rochelais (La Rochelle), Aviron Bayonnais, and DHL Stormers.

Beacause they are in the URC with the Stormers, they will only play against the four other teams.

As URC champions they were seeded first, and will meet with Ronan O'Gara's La Rochelle side for the sixth time in five seasons.

Munster, who were knocked out last season by Bordeaux in the quarter-finals, have been drawn in Pool 2, alongside Bath, Toulon, Castres Olympique, Edinburgh, and Gloucester.

The southern province have their own familiar French side in Castres.

Champions Cup pools:

Pool 1: Toulouse, Clermont Auvergne, Sharks, Saracens, Glasgow Warriors, Sale

Pool 2: Bath Rugby, RC Toulon, Munster Rugby, Castres Olympique, Edinburgh Rugby, Gloucester Rugby

Pool 3: Leinster Rugby, Leicester Tigers, Harlequins, La Rochelle, Aviron Bayonnais, DHL Stormers

Pool 4: Bordeaux Bègles, Scarlets, Bristol Bears, Section Paloise, Northampton Saints, Bulls

Ulster and Connacht, having finished outside the top eight in the URC last season, have been put into the Challenge Cup.

Challenge Cup pools:

Pool 1: Ospreys, Zebre Parma, Montpellier, Benetton Rugby, Racing 92, Connacht Rugby

Pool 2: Lyon, Newcastle Falcons, Dragons RFC, US Montauban, Lions, USAP

Pool 3: Toyota Cheetahs, Cardiff Rugby, Exeter Chiefs, Black Lion, Stade Francais, Ulster Rugby