[1] The competition took place during the autumn soon after the World Cup and on international fixture dates during the Six Nations, thus allowing teams to develop their squad players.

The defending champions were Gloucester, who this season failed to progress from the pool stage.

The points scoring system for the pool stages will be as follows:[2] Tables This match was postponed due to a frozen pitch at Rodney Parade.

Dragons were also fined £10,000 (suspended) for their failure under LV= Cup Regulation 6.7 (that the pitch was unplayable and no suitable alternative arrangements were in place).

The decision was quashed, with the match instead being recorded as a 0–0 draw and the suspended fine reduced from £10,000 to £5,000.