IT’S THAT TIME of year when we’re gasping for a bit of northern hemisphere rugby, what with all the magic that’s going on south of the equator.

Unfortunately, the wait will go on, but we can at least use these drab, humid weekdays to wistfully plan some of the cool crisp autumnal rugby days ahead.

The draw for the B&I Cup took place over the weekend and the opening round of fixtures were set for the weekend of 14 October.

Here’s the English and Welsh opposition your province will be taking on.

British & Irish Cup 2016/17 Pools

Pool 1

Jersey Reds
London Scottish
Ulster ‘A’
Cardiff Blues Premiership Select

Pool 2

London Welsh
Doncaster Knights
Munster ‘A’
Rotherham Titans

Pool 3

Cornish Pirates
London Irish
Ospreys Premiership Select
Connacht Eagles

Pool 4

Leinster ‘A’
Scarlets Premiership Select
Nottingham Rugby
Richmond

Pool 5

Yorkshire Carnegie
Bedford Blues
Dragons Premiership Select
Ealing Trailfinders.

The first round of games sees Munster A host the reigning champions London Welsh, and the southern province go to Donacaster a week later.

Connacht Eagles begin their campaign at home to the Cornish Pirates before going to London Irish.

Leinster A are the only Irish side to start on the road when the meet Richmond before turning around to host Nottingham on the weekend of 21 October.

The Jersey Reds will be in Belfast on the opening weekend with Ulster A meeting London Scottish in England in the second round of games.

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