WORCESTER Warriors will be clocking up the air miles across Europe next season with trips to Ireland, France and Italy.

The Warriors have been placed in pool five of the European Challenge Cup, which replaces last season's knock-out format and European Shield.

The Sixways outfit face home and away games against seeded side Connacht from Ireland, Montpellier and Amatori Catania, in Sicily.

Back-to-back matches are scheduled for October, December and January, with one-off quarter-final and semi-final ties leading to May's final.

Worcester's director of rugby John Brain was pleased with the draw but expects strong opposition.

He said: "It's a tough pool. Connacht and Montpellier are very difficult places to go and Catania I don't know much about.

"Certainly we have got tough opposition in Connacht and Montpellier but I think they will be good games home and away.

"They are good places for the supporters to travel to to enjoy the European experience."

Meanwhile, Warriors chiefs are remaining tight-lipped on the possible identity of their new head coach.

The club has been linked with a move for Queensland Reds Anthony Eddy for the vacancy left by Andy Keast.

Although Australian Eddy has been confirmed as an option to take the Warriors into their second season in the top flight, Brain is keeping his cards close to his chest.