Tigers begin LV=Cup defence with tough tie against Premiership winners Saracens

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UPDATED:

16:41 GMT, 23 July 2012

Holders Leicester Tigers will launch their LV=Cup defence against Aviva Premiership champions Saracens on the weekend of November 9-11.

Last year's beaten finalists Northampton begin the competition, now in its fourth season, with a home game against Harlequins, while Premiership newcomers London Welsh will make their debut against Exeter.

Elsewhere in the opening round, Ospreys will be up against 2010-11 winners Gloucester, Newport Gwent Dragons go to Bath, London Irish meet Sale, Cardiff take on Wasps and Scarlets go to Worcester.

Champions: The Leicester Tigers will defend their LV=Cup title

English clubs have been allocated to the pools depending on their finish in last season's Premiership.

Teams in Pool 1 play teams in Pool 4 and teams in Pool 2 play teams in Pool 3, with the top team from each pool qualifying for the semi-finals.

POOL 1

Harlequins
Exeter
Gloucester
Newport Gwent Dragons

POOL 2

Leicester
Sale
Worcester
Cardiff

POOL 3

Saracens
London Irish
Wasps
Scarlets

POOL 4

Northampton
Bath
London Welsh
Ospreys