English clubs were allocated to the pools depending on their final positions in the 2015–16 Aviva Premiership.

Saracens were defending champions after claiming the cup with a 23–20 victory over Exeter Chiefs in the 2014–15 final at Franklin's Gardens in Northampton.

The 2016–17 Anglo-Welsh Cup was won by Leicester Tigers who won their eighth cup title by defeating Exeter Chiefs 16–12 in the final held at Twickenham Stoop.

[1][2] Freddie Burns had an excellent tournament for the Tigers, scoring 64 points overall including 11 in the final, to finish as the competition's top point scorer, while Josh Adams was top try scorer with 6 tries from only 2 games for Worcester Warriors.

Leicester Tigers at home to Northampton Saints on 28 January 2017 Cardiff Blues at home to Worcester Warriors on 4 February 2017 Leicester Tigers Cardiff Blues