NEWPORT Gwent Dragons will return to the scene of their famous European Challenge Cup quarter-final triumph when they lock horns with Gloucester in the Anglo-Welsh Cup.

The Dragons will face the Cherry and Whites at Kingsholm and also head to face Leicester at Welford Road while they host the Scarlets and Newcastle at Rodney Parade.

The tournament, which was not played last season because of the World Cup, follows the usual format with Kingsley Jones’ side drawn in Pool One alongside Saracens, Northampton and Bath, playing against rivals from Pool Four with the group winners qualifying for the semi-finals.

The Dragons stunned Gloucester 23-21 on their own turf last season thanks to a late try by scrum-half Charlie Davies while the teams met in the West Country in the 2011 tournament, the hosts romping to a 45-17 win.

The men from Rodney Parade have played Leicester three times in the Anglo-Welsh competition, upsetting the men from Welford Road on a wet night in Newport in 2005/6 thanks to an inspired performance by fly-half Craig Warlow. The Tigers have won both previous games in the East Midlands.

The Dragons faced Newcastle in the 2014/15 Challenge Cup, gifting the Falcons a win at Rodney Parade before romping to a stunning success in the north east of England.

Dragons fixtures

  • Saturday, November 12: Leicester – away, kick-off 3pm (Wales v Argentina)
  • Friday, November 18: Scarlets – home, kick-off 7.30pm (Wales v Japan on the Saturday)
  • Saturday, January 29: Newcastle – home, kick-off 3pm
  • Saturday, February 4: Gloucester – away, kick-off 3pm (Italy v Wales on the Sunday)

Pools

Pool One: Dragons, Saracens, Northampton, Bath

Pool Two: Ospreys, Exeter, Sale, Worcester

Pool Three: Cardiff Blues, Bristol, Harlequins, Wasps

Pool Four: Scarlets, Leicester, Newcastle, Gloucester

(Pool One plays Pool Four, Pool Two plays Pool Three)