Ruddock has numerous links to the Ospreys region

"It's a great draw, the Ospreys are so strong," said the former Swansea and Wales coach, whose team also face London Irish and Harlequins in Group C.

"They are one of the best teams in the British Isles and have the potential to become a real force in Europe."

The 27 October clash at Sixways will be the BBC's live showpiece game on the opening weekend of the tournament.

606: DEBATE What do you make of the new Cup format?

"Survival in the league and trying to improve will be our primary goal this season, but, having said that, the EDF is a great competition and to be a part of a semi-final double-header would be superb," said Ruddock.

"We have got two away matches afterwards against Harlequins and London Irish, so we know our hopes of progressing could hinge on the clash with the Ospreys."

Magners League champions Ospreys, last season's EDF runners-up, also face two away trips in the group stages.

It's not going to be easy Blues coach Dai Young

"The new pool structure provides the Ospreys with some interesting and exciting challenges," said Ospreys director of rugby Kevin Hopkins, Ruddock's former assistant at Swansea.

"We are naturally keen to build on our performances of last season, and this and the Heineken Cup provides a wonderful platform.

"It'll be good to catch up with Mike again, he's a fine coach who will do a good job at Worcester."

Two away trips also await Cardiff Blues, drawn in a highly competitive Group B alongside Leicester, Bath and Sale.

"We really enjoyed the tournament last season, playing against our English rivals," said Blues coach Dai Young.

Welsh teams will be licking their lips Dragons coach Paul Turner

"Obviously it's going to be difficult for us this season with one home and two away matches.

"Bath are always a difficult team to beat at the Rec and I'm sure last year's winners Leicester will be determined to keep hold of the cup.

"Sale were hit heavily by injuries last season but when they have a fit squad they are a threat to most teams, so it's not going to be easy."

Newport Gwent Dragons have two home games in the pool stages, but their formidable Group A includes Gloucester, Wasps and Newcastle.

"It's a mouthwatering draw for our supporters, all three are clubs with famous histories," said Dragons coach Paul Turner.

Scarlets lost out to Wasps in the 2006 final

"It is good to have a change in opposition and it's always good for Welsh teams who will be licking their lips and looking forward to playing against the English sides."

Wales' best hope in the competition could lie with 2006 runners-up Llanelli Scarlets, with two home games in the pool stages and a navigable-looking Group D containing Leeds, Saracens and Bristol.

That will be some relief after a horror Heineken Cup draw that saw them pooled with Wasps, Clermont Auvergne and Munster.

"It's great to be coming up against my former club in Leeds," said Scarlets director of rugby Phil Davies.

"I made a lot of friends while I was in Yorkshire so it will be great to meet up with them again.