Bedford Blues may face trips to Wales and Ireland next season after the pools for the British & Irish Cup were announced.

The Blues have been placed in Pool C alongside London Welsh, Moseley, Aberavon, Llanelli and Ulster for the inaugural running of the competition.

The competiton will be played over five weekends during the autumn internationals and the RBS Six Nations with the semi-finals and final scheduled for April 24 and May 15 respectively.

Terry Burwell, the Rugby Football Union's Tournaments and Competitions Director, said: "Since announcing the British & Irish Cup on May 6 there has been growing interest in and anticipation of this tournament.

"We believe that the fixtures these pools throw up will provide a level of cup competition that will excite players, coaches and supporters.

Geoff Irvine, chairman of Bedford Blues and the Championship clubs' representative on the RFU Council, added: "I know the Championship clubs are all looking forward to competing in this exciting new competition.

"It gives supporters the opportunity to visit new venues and the players the opportunity to take on new opponents as well as renewing some historic rivalries."

The 24-team competition consists of the 12 Championship clubs, six Welsh Principality Premiership clubs, three Irish prvinces and three teams from Scotland.

The first round of fixtures are due to be played on Saturday, November 7.