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The only dissenters to that view may have come from the fans, or rather coaches, of the teams in Pool 2 - Leinster, ASM Clermont Auvergne, Saracens and Racing-Metro 92 - but after the initial shock Booth was quietly happy with his side's lot.
"There is no denying that it is a challenging Pool but, if you want to be associated with the best teams in Europe, as London Irish do, then you have to test yourself against the very best - we will certainly be doing that next season," he added.
"Our progress in the group will be a useful benchmark to how far the club has developed in recent years."
Last season London Irish launched their Heineken Cup campaign in spectacular style with a memorable victory on Irish soil as they beat reigning champions Leinster 12-9 at the RDS. They took the return game to Twickenham and had a crowd of 37,323.
Now they find themselves facing another trip 'home' as they get ready for a European debut against mighty Munster.
"We've played Munster in pre-season matches many times and everyone knows their calibre in the Heineken Cup," said Booth.
"This will be the first time that we've played them in a competitive fixture and I'm sure that our supporters will be relishing hosting them and their fans at the Madejski Stadium and, of course, making the trip to Thomond Park.
"Ospreys have been knocking on the door of European rugby for the past few seasons and their quality in the competition is there for all to see.
"They have talent throughout their squad and I'm sure that they will provide us with a couple of exciting and challenging fixtures.
"Toulon are the new kids on the block in terms of the Heineken Cup and, with the financial clout that they have in place, they will be looking to make an immediate impact on the Heineken Cup as soon as possible."
