Each of the three competing regions have been named in tough pools for the 18th season of the tournament but Phil Davies, Steve Tandy and Simon Easterby are all looking forward to the challenge of pitting themselves against the continent’s elite next term.
“I’m really excited about the challenge of going up against Europe’s best teams,” said Tandy, after the Ospreys were drawn alongside former winners Toulouse and Leicester Tigers and Italian outfit Benetton Treviso.
“There are six European titles in our group, which says all you need to know about the pool.
“Toulouse are a great club and are always tough opponents. They have big names in the squad with a strong overseas influence and are always competitive in Europe. As the recently crowned French champions, their current squad is clearly as strong as ever.
“Leicester are familiar opponents for us. We have been up against them in Europe a few times so we know just what to expect. They are known for their physical ability but that is something we always pride ourselves on as well. Our games against Leicester are always tough and tight matches.
“Treviso could hold the key to this group. They are a team that will be under-estimated by teams outside the Pro12 and, like last year, I can see them causing some upsets.
“All the teams can beat each other but that’s what makes it such an exciting pool.”
The Scarlets will be under a new head coach when they play their 106th Heineken Cup match in October but Easterby is no stranger to the competition.
The former Ireland flanker played in 56 Heineken Cup matches and is now preparing to lead his side against defending champions Leinster, French giants Clermont Auvergne and tournament debutants Exeter Chiefs in Pool 5.
“It’s probably one of the toughest pools in the draw but it’s great for us to have the European champions,” said Easterby.
“We know Leinster well from our domestic league and they have set the standard for teams in Europe with the quality they have. They will be looking for their third title in succession, so that in itself is a big challenge and we’ll have a lot of work to do, but this Scarlets team is ambitious and wants to pit itself against the best and that is what Europe is all about.
“We’ve played Clermont in Europe previously and last season played them in our pre-season fixtures. They have a great coaching set-up and, just like Leinster, are one of the power houses of Europe. They have quality throughout and will be targeting Europe particularly after not quite taking the opportunity over Leinster in the semi-final this year.
“For an added bit of spice, there’s our former Scarlet favourite Regan King to contend with at Clermont as well – so that will present a challenge in itself.
“Exeter are the new-comers and again we have played them in three pre-season friendlies. They have surprised a lot of people – they’re an effective side, well-drilled and with a good set-piece and, ultimately, they don’t lose a lot at home.
“It’s an exciting draw for our supporters, plenty in there to get our loyal support going and for us it will be about getting off to a good start, like we did last season in Europe.
“Home games will be crucial and the crowds we’re now attracting at Parc y Scarlets will give us an edge in the crucial first home fixtures in the early part of the campaign.”
As for the Blues, they face an immediate reunion with former star Gethn Jenkins after they were paired with the Wales prop’s new side, Toulon.
The Blues beat Jonny Wilkinson and co to claim Amlin Challenge Cup glory in 2010 but they will have to work hard for a repeat result as Jenkins is joined by a whole host of big names on the Cote D’Azur.
A second successive season of quarter-final qualification is the target for newly-appointed Davies, who guided the Scarlets to the semi-final stages in 2007.
“It’s quite a tough draw with two French teams but it’s also quite exciting,” said Davies after Montpellier and Sale Sharks were the other two names out of the hat in Pool 6.
“We are obviously playing Sale Sharks also, so there are lots of connections with Andy Powell at Sale and Gethin Jenkins at Toulon.
“We spoke to the lads this morning and they are quite excited. It’s tough, but a great opportunity for us to go out and perform against Europe’s best.
“Whatever game you play, or competition you’re in, you want to be as successful as you can. We want to test ourselves and get out of the pool. As I know from previous experience, it’s not easy, but once you are there they are all one off games.
“We are a group in transition as everybody knows, but there are a lot of young quality players here who are eager to impress.”
