Wayne Pivac’s side will also face two previous winners in the shape of English giants Leicester Tigers and Irish province Ulster. The West Walians would have been hard pressed to face a harder set of fixtures but will be confident of progression after last season’s impressive run to the semi-finals.
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. The Welsh region faced last season’s beaten finalists Racing in the 2013/14 season losing both fixtures but did record a notable victory in Paris in the 2012/13 season.
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.
“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,” said Scarlets head coach Wayne Pivac.
“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 Cardiff Blues will be happy with their draw as they return to the top tier of European rugby after a long absence. The European Challenge Cup winners will face Aviva Premiership Champions Saracens, French newbies Lyon and Scottish outfit Glasgow Warriors.
John Mulvihill’s side will be confident of progression after their heroics in winning the Challenge Cup in May.
Saracen’s may provide a daunting challenge but the capital city region completed the double over Lyon in last season’s Challenge Cup while Glasgow are a familiar foe.
In the Challenge Cup the Ospreys have been drawn in a pool containing French clubs Pau and Stade Francais, while they will also enjoy a trip to face Worcester Warriors. Three-time Champions Cup finalists Clermont of France and English side Northampton, the 2000 European champions, will provide stiff competition for Dragons, while Romanians Timisoara provide less familiar opposition.
The first round of European games will take place on 12/13/14 October, with the final pool fixtures on 18/19/20 January 2019. The quarter-finals are set for 29/30/31 March 2019, with the semi-finals scheduled on 19/20/21 April 2019.
