British and Irish clubs learn Challenge Cup draw

Image source, Getty Images

Image caption, The 18 teams will be competing for this trophy in 2024-25

British and Irish clubs have learned who they will face in the 2024-25 European Challenge Cup pool stage.

Four Welsh, two English, one Scottish and one Irish team will be in the tournament along with six French clubs, one from Italy along with invitees Cheetahs of South Africa and Georgian side Black Lion.

The first of four pool rounds will be played on the weekend of 6-8 December with the round of 16 scheduled for 11-13 April.

Cardiff's Principality Stadium will host the final on Friday, 23 May, the eve of the top-tier Investec Champions Cup at the same venue.

The 2024-25 European Challenge Cup draw

Pool 1: Cardiff, Connacht, Cheetahs, Perpignan, Lyon, Zebre

Pool 2: Montpellier, Pau, Newcastle Falcons, Dragons, Lions, Ospreys

Pool 3: Vannes, Black Lion, Bayonne, Scarlets, Edinburgh, Gloucester