By The Newshound
June 13 2002

Finally ERC have knocked their collective heads together and released the draw for the 2002/2003 Heieneken European Cup. Saints have been grouped with Cardiff, Ulster and French Champions Biarritz. Cardiff will be fresh in the memory from last years competition while its the first time round for a Saints v Ulster clash.

Biarritz is the big game in most peoples eyes after the games two seasons ago when the Basque country side beat the Saints in the first game of the European Cup defence.

The actual fixture dates will be released on June 27th (but don't hold you breath).

Game on!!!!

THE POOLS...

POOL 1:
Leicester Tigers
Amatori & Calvisano
Neath
Beziers

POOL 2:
Viadana
Munster
Gloucester
Perpignan

POOL 3:
Llanelli
Glasgow Rugby
Sale Sharks
Bourgoin

POOL 4:
Leinster
Montferrand
Bristol Shoguns
Swansea

POOL 5:
Edinburgh Rugby
Toulouse
Newport
London Irish

POOL 6:
Biarritz Olympique
Ulster
Cardiff
Northampton Saints

THE DATES -

Round 1: - 11/12/13 October, 2002
Round 2: - 18/19/20 October, 2002
Round 3: - 06/07/08 December, 2002
Round 4: - 13/14/15 December, 2002
Round 5: - 10/11/12 January, 2003
Round 6: - 17/18/19 January, 2003
Quarter-Finals: - 11/12/13 April, 2003
Semi-Finals: - 26/27 April, 2003
HEINEKEN CUP 2003 FINAL: - 24 May, 2003