There is an added incentive that the winners of the Ponty v Bristol tie will host the tournament final, against the winners of the other semi final, an all English affair between Bedford Blues and Worcester Warriors.
From a players’ point of view, Ponty skipper Chris Dicomidis was pleased with the draw.
“We’re happy to be given a home game, and to be honest at this stage of the competition it didn’t matter who the opposition was going to be, all the clubs remaining are top class and will provide a tough challenge” he said.
“This gives us a great chance to prove ourselves against fully pro opponents. We can only approach this game in the traditional Ponty way, to fly into them from the start and to give the big Sardis Road crowd something to cheer about.”
Pontypridd team manager Richard Langmead also welcomed the home draw.
“Getting home advantage against such a big club as Bristol is a great incentive for us,” said Langmead.
“It will provide a good test for our players, up against a fully professional team, and will give Ponty another chance to perform against all the odds, against an English club who operate on a far bigger budget.
“The excitement is already building up in the area, our supporters will be up for the occasion, and the players will thrive on the challenge. To pit themselves against the best possible opposition, that is what they train and play for.”
