Rugby | Irish provinces learn Champions Cup opponents

The draw for the pool stages of the Heineken Champions Cup has been made.

Five-time champions Leinster will compete in Pool 1 alongside Lyon, Northampton Saints and Benetton.

Munster have been handed what looks like the toughest draw; joining reigning champions Saracens, Racing 92 and Ospreys in Pool 4.

Former Munster duo Simon Zebo and Donnacha Ryan will face the province with Racing, who beat Munster in last year's semi-final. Connacht have been matched with Toulouse, Gloucester and Montpellier in Pool 5.

Pool 3 sees Ulster drawn with Clermont Auvergne, Harlequins and Bath.

The first round of matches are scheduled for the weekend of November 15-17. 

POOL 1: Leinster, Lyon, Northampton Saints, Benetton

POOL 2: Exeter Chiefs, Glasgow Warriors, La Rochelle, Sale Sharks

POOL 3: Clermont Auvergne, Ulster, Harlequins, Bath

POOL 4: Saracens, Munster, Racing 92, Opsreys

POOL 5:Toulouse, Gloucester, Connacht, Montpellier