Montauban captain Marc Raynaud has declared the French club are delighted to have arrived at the top table of European club rugby.
Montauban will make their Heineken Cup debut on Friday night when they travel to the new-look Thomond Park to meet reigning champions Munster with captain Marc Raynaud declaring the French club are delighted to have arrived at the top table of European club rugby.
Montauban will be the 55th club to play in the tournament - and Stade de Sapiac the 83rd Heineken Cup venue - as they take their bow in Pool 1 alongside Munster, ASM Clermont Auvergne and Sale Sharks.
"We are very happy and honoured to be part of this competition," said Raynaud.
"We are one of seven French clubs taking part - which in itself is a great thing - and we are the newcomers.
"It's up to us now to build on that fantastic opportunity and make the most of it and, although we are in a very difficult Pool, we are going to do our best.
"I think we will play without too much pressure and, above all else, take pleasure in just playing in the tournament.
"Whether we are playing against Clermont, Munster or Sale in that particular round, we know what to expect and that is that we will face major challenges.
For us the main focus is on our national championship but we will fight also in the European tournament."
French international back row forward Raynaud is no stranger to the Heineken Cup, three of his 50 European matches coming for ASM Clermont Auvergne in the 2002/03 tournament. His 47 European Challenge Cup matches have been for Narbonne (30), ASM Clermont Auvergne (11) and six for Montauban.
"We have watched the Heineken Cup games before so, although it's a first for us, we know what level is expected and what we are up against with such great teams in our group," he said.
"All of them have great experience of playing in this competition, they are all performing brilliantly in their own national championships and they have all been finalists in their own domestic competitions.
"It means we are aware of where we are heading and we won't fool ourselves of what lies ahead over the coming months.
"I see the key as being one to produce the best possible performances and so offer good, competitive games to satisfy the spectators and our supporters.
"As regards the Round 1 fixture against Munster, I must admit that the fact that we are going to play in their brand new stadium at Thomond Park means we could not have hoped or asked for a better start.
"If we get a full house and 26,000 spectators that will be awesome and that alone will inspire and lift those boys who have never experienced such an occasion as only a few amongst us know what that is like.
"We will try to play to the maximum of our capacities and we know it is going to be tough against the European champions.
"But we are going to enjoy it as much as we possibly can - and play for pleasure."
