Michalak praises Heineken Cup status

Toulouse star Frederic Michalak has won Europe's greatest prize on no fewer than three occasions and the mercurial halfback is convinced that nothing in the club game can match the feeling of being crowned Kings of the Continent.

"I think the Heineken Cup is the best competition for the club," said Michalak when he and Toulouse colleague Yves Donguy made a guest appearance at Monday's UK launch of the 2010/11 tournament.

"All the best players and clubs are in this tournament and every club is capable of winning it.

"For Toulouse, we want to do well in both the Heineken Cup and the Top 14 as we always try to be the best team around every single year.

"To win the Heineken Cup again last year was amazing and the supporters were great. Our supporters love the team and they support us whether we win or lose.

"But it will be tough again this year. There are no easy groups and we will have to start well in this competition. We must win our first game against London Wasps and get momentum."

Toulouse picked up Europe's top prize for an incredible fourth time when they beat Biarritz Olympique Pays Basques in the 2010 Heineken Cup Final at the Stade de France.

This season, they face Celtic opposition in Glasgow Warriors and Newport Gwent Dragons, as well as previous champions Wasps, the team who famously toppled Toulouse in an historic final at Twickenham back in 2004.