Two rounds of matches, the semi-finals and final will have a kick-off time of 8.10pm with the 12 Guinness Premiership clubs and four Welsh regions competing in the tournament.

The appetite for an Anglo-Welsh Cup had been questioned last season with Premier Rugby instead preferring to extend the English domestic league by six games.

But the new format was devised with matches being played during international weekends.

The Rugby Football Union's tournaments director Terry Burwell said: "We are delighted that together with Premier Rugby Ltd and the Welsh Rugby Union, we have come up with this structure.

"It will not only help players, coaches and officials develop, but also provide more revenue potential for the Premiership clubs and the Welsh regions.

"We have a committed broadcaster in Sky Sports for the next five years and, together with PRL and the WRU, are actively seeking a title sponsor."

Round One fixtures (to be played on the weekend of November 7, 2009):

Leeds Carnegie v Leicester Tigers
Newport Gwent Dragons v Sale Sharks
Saracens v Bath Rugby
Ospreys v Northampton Saints
Gloucester Rugby v Blues
London Irish v London Wasps
Worcester Warriors v Newcastle Falcons
Harlequins v Scarlets