Familiarity breeds content for Quins

Harlequins must face Newcastle three times over the next couple of months thanks to last night's European Shield semi-finals draw in Dublin.

They meet in the Tetley's Bitter Cup Final at Twickenham on 24 February, the Zurich Premiership on 6 March and the Shield, at a neutral ground, on 21 April.

"I don't think we will need to study videos of each other this season," said Quins team manager Mike Scott.

The winners of the third clash will play either Narbonne or Agen in the Shield Final, with the champions earning a place in next season's Heineken Cup.

The Heineken Cup draw also guaranteed an English finalist, with Leicester taking on Gloucester in one semi-final and Stade Francais playing Munster.

Newcastle director of rugby Rob Andrew said: "We are pleased to be in the semis and delighted we don't have to go to France."