Regional Rugby Wales has confirmed that the Anglo-Welsh Cup competition will continue next season with the Blues opening the tournament away at Kingsholm on the weekend of 7 November as they start their defence of the title against last year's beaten finalists.

The Cup, to be played during the autumn and six nations international windows, will involve four pools of the combined 16 sides (3 GP and 1 Welsh Region in each pool), with each team playing two home and two away cross-pool matches, followed by semi-finals between the top finishers of each pool and a final.

The official Anglo-Welsh fixture list is to be announced in full this week after Regional Rugby Wales, the umbrella group of Wales' four regions, and Premier Rugby, the umbrella group for the 16 English sides, reached agreement over a two-year deal. The winners of the four pools will qualify for the semi-finals before a final showpiece.

The last two competitions, known as the EDF Energy Cup, were won by Welsh regions as Cardiff Blues' 50-12 win over Gloucester at Twickenham in April followed victory for the Swansea based outfit the Ospreys the year before.

RRW Chief Executive Stuart Gallacher said: "We are delighted to have reached agreement with PRL over the continuation of the Anglo-Welsh Cup.

"Cross border fixtures between the professional rugby tiers of England and Wales have become a real highlight of the season and something that both the teams participating and supporters value enormously.

"That last years winners, the Cardiff Blues, will also play Gloucester in the opening round, will give added prominence to the commencement of the competition. The Cup will continue to remain a stand-out tournament in an increasingly congested season, but one that provides a unique spectacle both in terms of the quality of rugby and sense of occasion.

"The close working relationship between RRW and PRL has demonstrated what can be achieved through the co-ordination of the games professional bodies in England and Wales.

"We hope to build on this relationship over coming seasons and develop further opportunities in which the game can be strengthened for the benefit of players and supporters alike. There are some very distinct challenges ahead for Northern Hemisphere rugby and RRW in fully committed to addressing those challenges alongside PRL, wherever possible.

"The environment of professional rugby is rapidly changing and we need to be prepared to meet those changes with a constructive and combined approach that takes advantage of every opportunity ahead."

The Blues will certainly have the opportunity to extend their good run against English opposition at their new home in 2009/10, with two English sides in their Heineken Cup group, Harlequins and Sale, two home fixtures against English sides in the Anglo-Welsh competition, plus Gloucester and start the season off with friendlies against old foes from across the Bridge in August. Further details to follow.

For season tickets call 029 2030 2030.