Heineken Cup winning captain Thierry Dusautoir has issued a stark warning to the rest of Europe's elite by announcing that his Toulouse side are "hungrier than ever," to win the competition.
Dusautoir led his side to European success last season beating compatriots Biarritz Olympique 21-19 in the final and the French flanker is looking for a repeat of their success.
"Being the title holders doesn't change much for us, if anything it gives the hunger to win it again," said Dusautoir.
"We always have that energy and will to produce and perform well in Europe.
"We will approach the tournament with a lot of enthusiasm and it is something that all of us enjoy each year as the spirit of the tournament fits well with our own frame of mind."
Toulouse begin the defence of their title by welcoming former Heineken Cup champions London Wasps to Stade Municipal, on Sunday, October 10.
"Our first goal is to get a great start against London Wasps. It is always important in this tournament to do well in the early stages.
"We will be wary of our opponents and we know we will be thrown in the deep end against a tough English squad who themselves are back among the favourites for the competition."