The Odd Ones Out

Llanelli Scarlets and the Dragons host Agen and Stade Francais respectively while Neath-Swansea Ospreys travel to defending champions Toulouse and Cardiff Blues go to South-East France to take on Biarritz Olympique

And Wasps are also something of an English rarity with the fixture draw also coming up with strong Anglo-Irish and Anglo-Scottish flavours to a weekend during which all three Irish provinces and both Scottish regions take on English opposition.

Leinster Lions and Ulster have home advantage against Sale Sharks and Leicester Tigers while Munster travel to Gloucester.

Edinburgh Rugby have home advantage over Leeds Tykes while The Borders go to Franklin's Gardens to meet 2000 champions Northampton Saints.

And with Benetton Treviso and Calvisano meeting Bourgoin and Perpignan, there is not an Anglo-French contest in sight until Round 5.

But for Celtic Warriors - the region formed out of the merger between Bridgend and Pontypridd - it is potentially the most demanding English test on offer, Lawrence Dallaglio's Wasps really buzzing and hot in pursuit of Zurich Premiership leaders Bath Rugby.

"We are looking forward to the challenge - especially after last season when Pontypridd had two great games against Wasps in the Parker Pen Challenge Cup," said Celtic Warriors coach Lynn Howells.

"We really enjoyed those experiences and now we can see where we are as Celtic Warriors against one of Europe's highest quality sides.

"Wasps have a massive ball carrying presence and two outstanding, though possibly sometimes under-rated midfield players, in Stuart Abbott and Fraser Waters.

"They are anything but a one-dimensional side. They retain possession so well, show a lot of patience and don't give away many penalties.

"By contrast, we are still coming together as a side as we have only had four games since the return of our World Cup players.

"But our second-half Heineken Cup performance at Perpignan and the Celtic League result at Cardiff Blues suggests to me that is coming together, although we are far from there yet."

But while the Welsh regional sides are still gelling as new teams, Howells pinpoints the massive advantage the five now enjoy.

"When we played Wasps as Pontypridd our squad simply was not strong enough," he said.

"But now as a region we are able to include quality players on the bench - and that should be significant as we come together more and more."

Wasps: J Lewsey; T Voyce, F Waters, M Denney, K Logan; A King, R Howley; C Dowd, T Leota, T Payne, S Shaw, M Purdy, J Worsley, P Volley, L Dallaglio (capt)
Replacements: P Greening, W Green, J O'Connor, G Skivington, P Richards, A Erinle, J Rudd
Celtic Warriors: AN Other; D James, S Parker, G Thomas (capt), G Wyatt; N Jenkins/C Sweeney, G Cooper/S Martens; C Loader, M Davies, G Jenkins, B Cockbain, R Sidoli/D Jones M Molitika, C Harris, R Parks
Replacements: M Rees, M Jones, N Kelly, G Morris, AN Other, AN Other, J Bryant
Referee: Eric Darriere (France)