LV=Cup pools revealed

Holders Leicester Tigers will launch their LV=Cup defence against Saracens in November.

Tigers to launch defence of their title against Sarries

Holders Leicester Tigers will launch their LV=Cup defence against Saracens on the weekend of November 9-11. Last year's beaten finalists Northampton begin the competition, now in its fourth season, with a home game against Harlequins, while Premiership newcomers London Welsh will make their debut against Exeter. Elsewhere in the opening round, Ospreys will be up against 2010-11 winners Gloucester, Newport Gwent Dragons go to Bath, London Irish meet Sale, Cardiff take on Wasps and Scarlets go to Worcester. English clubs have been allocated to the pools depending on their finish in last season's Premiership. Teams in Pool 1 play teams in Pool 4 and teams in Pool 2 play teams in Pool 3, with the top team from each pool qualifying for the semi-finals. Pool 1: Harlequins, Exeter, Gloucester, Newport Gwent Dragons.
Pool 2: Leicester, Sale, Worcester, Cardiff.
Pool 3: Saracens, London Irish, Wasps, Scarlets.
Pool 4: Northampton, Bath, London Welsh, Ospreys.