SWINDON Wildcats captain Shane Moore is looking forward to playing in the new look English Challenge Cup this term.

The governing bodies announced that teams from the National League will be joining the EPL sides in a cup competition that has been divided into two groups - north and south.

And with the Link Centre outfit placed in the south they are facing trips to Gillingham-based Invicta Dynamos as well as Isle of Wight-based Wightlink Raiders and Chelmsford Chieftains as well as games against regular foes MK Lightning, Basingstoke Bison, Bracknell Bees and Guildford Flames.

“The travelling is something that I’ve done before,” Moore said. “I played in the NIHL 10 years ago against these teams, and although it is not ideal, it will be great to play against them.

“They will be looking to cause upsets and we know that we cannot take them lightly.

“This is a competition that we have to be targeting to win.”

While Moore says that the structure of the tournament last season was good is feels that this term it will be even better.

“I’m pretty excited by it,” he said. “I know a few of the players from the NIHL teams are looking forward to it as well.

“Last season the league was brilliant, but I do feel that this is a good idea.”

In the north group, Solway Sharks, Blackburn Hawks and the Billingham Stars will join EPL regulars Manchester Phoenix, Telford Tigers, Peterborough Phantoms and Sheffield Steeldogs.

Games between sides from different leagues will be played under National League rules, with EPL teams having to name just two imports in their line-ups.

The matches played by teams in the same league, meanwhile, will come under normal rules.

Clubs can also nominate to play dual-purpose games, with points also counting towards league positions.