Gloucester to play Aviva Premiership newcomers

European Challenge Cup holders Gloucester will take on local rivals Worcester Warriors in the group stages of next season's competition.

The draw was held in Switzerland at European Professional Club Rugby's headquarters and it saw Gloucester, who were victorious over Edinburgh in last season's final, drawn into Pool 4 alongside newly-promoted Worcester, La Rochelle from France and Italian side Zebre.

Newcastle Falcons are in Pool 1 and are up against Irish province Connacht, French side Brive and debutants Enisei-STM from Russia.

Fellow Aviva Premiership side Sale Sharks will play Newport Gwent Dragons and also two French teams in the form of Castres and Pau in Pool 2.

Pool 3 looks ominous as Harlequins will be pitting their wits against Jack White's Montpellier team along with Cardiff Blues and Italian outfit Calvisano.

London Irish are in Pool 5 and are joined by Edinburgh and French duo Agen and Grenoble.

The competition gets underway the weekend of the 12-15 November with the semi-finals taking place over the weekend of 22-24 April 2016.