Leeds in second tier of Euro draw

Leeds Carnegie have been placed in the second tier of seeds for the European Challenge Cup draw on Monday 15 June.

The Headingley outfit are in there with Castres Olympique, Rugby Calvisano, Connacht and Montauban.

It means Leeds will definitely play last year's runners up Bourgoin and could also be drawn against France's free-spending Toulon or Racing Metro.

Twenty teams will take part in the competition from England, France, Ireland, Spain, Italy and Romania.

Clubs have been divided into four tiers of five teams based on their European performances over the past four seasons.

The teams from each tier level will then be kept apart in the draw for the pools.

Leeds' commercial director Rob Oates said: "There is certainly a possibility of the draw resulting in us facing a tough challenge in Europe but it is certainly an exciting one.

"Jonny Wilkinson is still one of the most famous sportsman in this country and the possibility of him playing for Toulon at Headingley Carnegie is a mouth-watering one.

"With the likes of Wasps, Saracens or last year's beaten finalist Bourgoin also in the hat it could make for a very interesting competition this year.

"I am sure the fans and sponsors will get excited when we find out who we have drawn."

European Challenge Cup 2009/10 Teams and Tiers

Tier 1: London Wasps, Saracens, Bourgoin, Worcester, Newcastle.

Tier 2: Castres Olympique, Leeds Carnegie , Rugby Calvisano, Connacht, Montauban.

Tier 3: Montpellier, Overmach Rugby Parma, Bayonne, Petrarca Rugby, Toulon.

Tier 4: Rugby Rovigo, Racing-Metro 92, Albi , Bucuresti Oaks, Madrid.