GLOUCESTER’S REWARD FOR dumping Connacht out of the Challenge Cup is a home semi-final against English rivals Newcastle Falcons as the last four pairings were confirmed.
The two-time winners out-gunned Connacht in a madcap quarter-final tie at the Sportsground earlier, and will host Newcastle at Kingsholm next month for a place in the final.
Gloucester were beaten in last year’s decider by Stade Francais but will be hoping to go one step better this term and secure a place in next season’s Champions Cup.
The other semi-final will see Cardiff Blues — who advanced through with a stunning 20-6 victory over Edinburgh at Murrayfield this evening — face French side Pau, after they pulled off an upset of their own last night.
With former Munster players Dave Foley, Sean Dougal and Paddy Butler in their side, the Top 14 outfit knocked the holders out as they edged a pulsating tie with Stade Francais 35-32.
The games will be played over the weekend of 20/21/22 April with kick-off times and live television coverage details to be announced in due course.
Challenge Cup semi-finals:
- Cardiff Blues v Pau, Cardiff Arms Park
- Gloucester Rugby v Newcastle Falcons, Kingsholm
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