The Welsh side had a brilliant run in the competition last year, reaching the final before falling short in a 31-12 defeat to Munster A.
They face a difficult start to this season’s tournament but Woods is looking forward to the challenge of pitting his wits against the former Leicester and Harlequins coach.
“Dean Richards is one of the most successful coaches in Britain and I’m sure Newcastle will give us the respect we deserve and prepare properly,” he said.
“It’s a great challenge. Players like to go up against the best and coaches like to do the same as well so it’s a big game this weekend.”
After a win over Cardiff last weekend, Keys are in good form ahead of the trip north and Woods is looking forward to the start of the competition.
“We were fortunate last year to have a real good run and we learnt a lot as a club. We’re looking forward to these fixtures as you have to be on top of your game because you’re playing against such top opposition,” he added.
“I’ve seen a difference in intensity this week already. We’ve got perhaps the toughest fixture of the weekend in Newcastle away but it’s one we are going to relish.
“One of the strengths of the competition is that you play at different venues and in different environments against different teams. In the Premiership we play the same teams and we know each other inside out.
“The English and Irish sides might not know that much about us but hopefully they’ll know a lot more afterwards.”
As well as taking on the Falcons, Keys face a difficult group which also includes Newport and Connacht A. But Woods knows his side cannot afford to be in awe of their opposition.
“What served us well last year was that you can’t be negative, you’ve got to go there and play and really test yourselves,” he said.
“The key to the group is that you have to win every home game and pick up something away. We never play underdogs to anyone at Pandy Park, that’s just not our attitude but we’ve got to make it as uncomfortable for them as possible. That’s our challenge on Saturday, make sure we pick up something away.
With such a tough fixture ahead, Woods would be hoping to field his strongest side. But he has a number of players out through injuries and suspensions, including captain Rob Nash.
“We’ve got plenty of injuries and a few suspensions but we’ll never moan about it,” he said.
“Newcastle away is one of the toughest games first up but it’ll be a strong side that we put out up there.”
