WORCESTER Warriors open their 2016-17 European Challenge Cup campaign at Enisei-STM on Saturday, October 15.

The match, which will take place in Sochi or Krasnodar, will see the Sixways side travel to Russia for the first time in their history.

Warriors then face CA Brive at Sixways on Saturday, October 22, in their first European game on their new artificial grass pitch.

The cup returns in December as Warriors face back-to-back clashes with Newport Gwent Dragons before Christmas.

The PRO 12 side will come to Sixways on Saturday, December 10, before the return fixture at Rodney Parade Stadium on Friday, December 16.

The pool stages conclude in January as Warriors play Brive in France on January 12, 13, 14 or 15 before hosting Enisei a week later.

Warriors chief executive Jim O'Toole said: "We are excited to be opening our European campaign with a trip to Russia and have been advised by the organising committee the exact venue will be confirmed early next week.

"I'm sure our supporters will understand the challenge EPCR face in ensuring venues and fixture dates work for all involved clubs."