By Cherry Picker
June 17 2008

Gloucester face challenges against teams from Wales, France and Italy as they attempt to do better in the Heineken Cup in 2008-09 than they did last season, when they were knocked out at home by eventual winners Munster. Glaws are in Pool 6, where they face Cardiff Blues, Biarritz Olympique and Calvisano. The draw was made in Dublin using the new ranking system based on performances in Europe over the last four seasons.
Biarritz were in the final only three seasons ago, and while Glaws know all about the threat from the Blues, Calvisano are less well-known.
Coach Dean Ryan (right) told the club webite: “Biarritz are a hugely powerful and organised side, have a history in the competition that would be the envy of a lot of clubs. Their threat, particularly at home, is an obvious one.
“They have a tremendous pedigree and their home record is as good as anything in the competition. It will be a huge examination for us but one we will relish as we develop as a side.”
Glaws have met the Blues three times in the Heineken Cup, winning all three, and Ryan added: “There is obvious spice with an Anglo-welsh contest against Cardiff.
“They are always unique occasions; they are a fantastic side who also have a real passion and understanding about this competition and I am sure the Heineken Cup will bring the best out of both teams.
“We have not faced an Italian side since we played Treviso in the pool stages in 2003-04, but Italian rugby is improving all the time, they are massively competitive at home and will relish the opportunity to take us on.
“I think we face a variety of opponents, some of which are new to us, and that will only add to the excitement.”

POOL 1  Munster, Sale, Clermont Auvergne, Montauban
POOL 2 Wasps, Leinster, Castres, Edinburgh
POOL 3 Leicester Tigers, Perpignan, Ospreys, Treviso
POOL 4 Stade Francais, Llanelli, Ulster, Harlequins
POOL 5 Toulouse, Bath, Dragons, Glasgow
POOL 6 Biarritz, GLAWS, Cardiff, Calvisano 

Round One: October10-12

Round Two: October 17-19
Round Three: December 5-7
Round Four: December 12-14
Round Five: January 16-18

Round Six: January 23-25
Quarter-finals:  April 10-12
Semi-finals: May 1-3
Final: May 22-24 (Murrayfield)

Wales, France and Ireland for Glaws in HC

Discussion started by Shedloads (IP Logged), 17/06/2008 17:22

Shedloads
17/06/2008 17:22

Wales, France and Ireland for Glaws in HC

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Jim, the Glaws fan
18/06/2008 08:59

The title- "Wales, France and Ireland" ain't right. We're going to Italy!

Gloucester RFC Cherry & Whites Gloucester RFC Cherry & Whites Gloucester RFC Cherry & Whites Gloucester

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Cherry Picker
18/06/2008 11:52

As Capt Mainwaring would say: "I wondered when one of you would spot that one."
No excuse - except it begins with an I.
Your use of red suggests a classroom background ... how many lines do I have to do?



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:06:18:11:54:03 by Cherry Picker.

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