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Ospreys begin defence at home

07/07/2008

The Ospreys will launch their defence of the EDF Energy Cup against Harlequins at the Liberty Stadium on October 4th.

Sean Holley's side became the first Welsh side to lift the trophy when they beat Leicester Tigers in April, and if they are looking for omens that 2008/09 could be just as successful then they will heart from the group pairings, which are identical to last season.

Ospreys coach Holley said: "We're looking forward to defending the EDF Energy Cup and are delighted that the first game will be in front of our home crowd. Harlequins are an exciting team who had a top six finish in the Guinness Premiership last year so it promises to be a great game for all rugby supporters.

"The last two years of the EDF Energy Cup have been very positive experiences for both the Ospreys team and fans, especially last year where we achieved the ultimate prize, lifting the cup in front of our huge travelling support at Twickenham on one of the biggest rugby stages of them all.

"With two home matches at the start of this campaign we'll be looking to mount another serious assault on the trophy and will be doing all we can to keep the trophy firmly where it belongs in Ospreylia."

Other highlights from the opening round of fixtures include Bath against Leicester Tigers, Gloucester versus London Wasps, Saracens against Scarlets, and Sale Sharks versus the Blues.

EDF Energy Cup draw 2008/09Pool A
Newport-Gwent Dragons
Wasps
Gloucester
Newcastle

Pool B
Cardiff Blues
Bath
Sale
Leicester

Pool C
Ospreys
Harlequins
Worcester
London Irish

Pool D
Llanelli Scarlets
Northampton
Saracens
Bristol