Montaban relish big test

"It's very exciting for us to be playing against Newcastle," said coach Laurent Travers.

"Newcastle will be fielding a very exciting team with the likes of the centre pairing from the autumn Tests in Jamie Noon and Matthew Tait - and that's a very formidable opposition to come up against.

"Our backs are certainly looking forward to testing themselves against the England centres while Newcastle also have a group of highly talented individuals and we expect them to be well drilled and organised.

"They have a very strong team and we are under no illusions. It's going to be a big match and we are going to have to work very hard.

"Having said that, so far we have exceeded expectations in the French Championship and maybe we will do the same in the European Challenge Cup.

"We have had a really good start to the season and have taken on some strong teams and being the first team this season to defeat Stade Français Paris back in October was a great feeling for us.

"Despite losing two weeks ago to bottom of the league Bayonne, I feel that we are still pretty much on schedule for our objective of Top 14 survival so we are able to look at the European Challenge Cup in a more positive light.

"For our team it is fantastic to get out and play European rugby. Our players are able to be a bit more adventurous while to come up against the quality of players we meet in this competition is a massive bonus.

"It's a great opportunity for our players to show us what they are really capable of and everyone on the pitch will be there trying to impress so we're hoping for a high-level game.

"Despite the old adage about the French, we are not putting more emphasis on the home leg. What is important to us is that we put in our best performance for both of the games against Newcastle and go as far as we can in this competition."