The semi-final draw for the Heineken Cup is taking place in advance of the quarter-finals because there are only two weeks between the quarter-finals and the semi-finals, and therefore to assist in operational matters such as semi-final venues and clubs operational needs, the draw is taking place at this stage.

Representatives from the 8 teams who this weekend successfully qualified for the quarter-finals, being played on the weekend of 10/11 April will be present.

The Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, John O'Donoghue T.D. will conduct the draw with ERC chairman Jean-Pierre Lux.

HEINEKEN CUP SEMI-FINAL DRAW

DATE: Tuesday, 3 February TIME: 1pm VENUE: The Ballroom, Department of Foreign Affairs, Iveagh House, 80 St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2.