The Cheetahs and the Lions are in the stage pool, but will not get to face each other in the initial stages of the competition.

The Cheetahs have been drawn to face the Welsh outfit, Scarlets, who they know well from the PRO14, while they will also be up against the French Top 14 out, Section Paloise, who play out of Pau.

The former Cheetahs prop, Maks van Dyk, is currently on the books of Pau.

The Lions in their turn will be up against Stade Francais and the Worcester Warriors.

The former Cheetahs captain and Springbok centre, Francois Venter, is still at the Warriors.

As it stands the Cheetahs are set to be based in Parma, Italy, and they will also play their home matches there.

The first round of matches will be played from 9 to 11 December.

EPCR Challenge Cup draw:

Pool A - Glasgow Warriors, RC Toulon, Bristol Bears, Connacht Rugby, Cardiff Rugby, CA Brive, Newcastle Falcons, Zebre Parma, Perpignan, Bath Rugby

Pool B - Scarlets, Section Paloise, Wasps, Lions, Benetton Rugby, Stade Francais, Worcester Warriors, Dragons RFC Bayonne, Cheetahs.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport