Challenge Cup: Connacht, semi-finalists for the past two years, have welcomed the new format for the European Challenge Cup, which next season will run on a pool system similar to the European Cup.

Seeded after their exploits last season, which saw them go out to eventual winners Sale Sharks, Connacht will face Worcester Warriors, Montpellier from France and Italians Amatori Catania.

There will have been relief that Connacht avoided Narbonne, having faced the French side in each of the last four years.

Worcester and Catania will be new opposition for Michael Bradley's men, but last year Connacht faced Montpellier, winning the first leg 56-3 but losing the return game 19-14.

Connacht, who signed the former New Zealand under-21 lock Andrew Gallagher this week, will be expected to advance; all five pool winners and the three best runners-up progress to the quarter-finals.

"It is an exciting new format," said Connacht CEO Gerry Kelly. "This links it strongly to the European Cup, with games taking place in the Challenge Cup on the same weekends.

"It guarantees six European games on set weekends, and with the Celtic League fixtures due out shortly, it defines the season and will help with season-ticket sales.

"There are some top-quality teams in the competition but we have a good squad and will be hopeful of continuing our good record," said Kelly.

London Irish have been given a tough draw and will face Agen, Parma and Pau.

The competition will start on the third weekend of October.

DRAW DETAILS

POOL One: Viadana, Narbonne, Northampton Saints, Bristol.

POOL Two: Agen, London Irish, Rugby Parma, Pau.

POOL Three: Gloucester, Bayonne, Toulon, Bucuresti.

POOL Four: The Borders, Brive, Newcastle Falcons, L'Aquila.

POOL Five: Connacht, Montpellier, Worcester, Amatori Catania.