The cross border competition kicked off in September but only sees the Welsh contingent begin their crusade this weekend after a cup re-shuffle to accommodate domestic competition fixtures.
Pontypridd’s senior coach, Dale McIntosh is enthusiastic about a return to British & Irish Cup action after a successful campaign last year but is aware of the challenge that awaits,
“The British & Irish Cup is a huge challenge as we are placed in a tough pool, but one that we embrace and we look forward to,” he said.
“We have enjoyed our previous involvement in the competition and we have grown as a side from the experience. Again, we will need to give an honest account of ourselves and to build on last season’s success.”
Facing up to fully professional English and Irish opposition entails a different approach from McIntosh and his coaching team.
“We are all aware that there are differing standards off the pitch between the English and Welsh clubs, in terms of the ability to prepare in a fully professional environment. We will aim to be competitive on the pitch and hope for a bit of luck and an injury free campaign.
Meanwhile, Cross Keys will host Moseley at Pandy Park when they make their British & Irish Cup debut on November 12. Head Coach Greg Woods is looking forward to the new challenge, “We have always aspired to play in the British & Irish Cup and kicking-off at home is fantastic,” said Keys head coach Greg Woods.
“There has been a real buzz around the village and club about playing in the tournament and we are treating the matches as our marquee fixtures – we want to make a real impact in the competition.”
The third British & Irish Cup will see a change in format; a cross-pool fixture list will guarantee two home fixtures for each side and all English ties will be played midweek to ease potential weekend fixture congestion.
Pools
Pool 1: Ayr, Cornish Pirates, Moseley, Neath
Pool 2: Bristol Rugby, Cross Keys, Plymouth Albion, Munster
Pool 3: Aberavon, Bedford Blues, Leinster, London Scottish
Pool 4: Esher Rugby, Llanelli, London Welsh, Melrose
Pool 5: Currie, Doncaster Knights, Rotherham Titans, Pontypridd
Pool 6: Leeds Carnegie, Nottingham Rugby, Swansea, Ulster
Round 3 (November 12): Cross Keys v Moseley, Munster v Cornish Pirates, Bristol Rugby v Neath, Plymouth v Ayr, Melrose v Bedford Blues, Llanelli v London Scottish, London Welsh v Aberavon, Esher v Leinster, Swansea v Rotherham Titans, Ulster v Doncaster Knights, Leeds Carnegie v Currie, Nottingham Rugby v Pontypridd
Round 4 (December 17): Mosley v Munster, Cornish Pirates v Cross Keys, Neath v Plymouth, Ayr v Bristol Rugby, Bedford Blues v Llanelli, London Scottish v Melrose, Aberavon v Esher, Leinster v London Welsh, Rotherham Titans v Ulster, Doncaster Knights v Swansea, Currie v Nottingham Rugby, Pontypridd v Leeds Carnegie
Quarter finals: January 21, 2012
Semi finals: April 7
Final: April 28
