Scarlets Heineken Champions Cup reaction

Kieran Lewis News

The Scarlets have been drawn in to Pool 4 of next season’s Heineken Champions Cup alongside Racing 92, Leicester Tigers and Ulster Rugby.

With a semi final finish in the 2017-18 competition Scarlets were drawn in to Tier 1 for the draw alongside Leinster, Saracens, Castres and Montpellier.

The 2018-19 pool has a familiar feel for the Scarlets with all three teams regular opponents for the West Wales region in recent years. 

Scarlets have gone head-to-head against Racing 92 in recent seasons, losing both home and away clashes in season 2015-16 whilst securing a draw at Parc y Scarlets and a win away from home in 2013-14.

Leicester Tigers were a Champions Cup opponent in 2014-15 with results favouring the home side on both occasions but Scarlets’ European history is peppered with clashes against the East Midlands side, most notable the side’s semi final loss in 2007.

Scarlets last faced Ulster Rugby, a familiar opponent from Guinness PRO14 action, in European competition in 2014-15 with results also favouring the home teams on both occasions.

Commenting on the draw Scarlets head coach Wayne Pivac said: “A semi final in last season’s competition is something that we’re all immensely proud of but equally just as disappointed that we didn’t play to the best of our abilities on that afternoon in Dublin.

“Getting a good start in these competitions is vital and that’s something we failed to do last season. We will be looking to improve our performances in the opening rounds, look to build on last season’s success and ensure that we remain competitive in both domestic and European competitions.”

The fixtures for the new season will be announced around two weeks after the announcement of the last fixture list from the European professional domestic leagues.

Make sure you’re #inthepack with the Scarlets. Season Tickets are available now from as little as £150 for families! Click here for more information or buy now, here

2018/19 Heineken Champions Cup pools 

Pool 1: Leinster Rugby, Wasps, Toulouse, Bath Rugby

Pool 2: Castres Olympique, Exeter Chiefs, Munster Rugby, Gloucester Rugby

Pool 3: Saracens, Glasgow Warriors, Lyon, Cardiff Blues Pool 4: Scarlets, Racing 92, Leicester Tigers, Ulster Rugby

Pool 5: Montpellier, Newcastle Falcons, Edinburgh Rugby, RC Toulon

EPCR weekends – 2018/19 season

Round 1: 12/13/14 October

Round 2: 19/20/21 October

Round 3: 7/8/9 December

Round 4: 14/15/16 December

Round 5: 11/12/13 January 2019

Round 6: 18/19/20 January 2019

Quarter-finals: 29/30/31 March 2019

Semi-finals: 19/20/21 April 2019

2019 Newcastle FinalsChallenge Cup final: Friday 10 May, St James’ ParkHeineken Champions Cup final: Saturday 11 May, St James’ Park