Gaffney Relishing Euro Challenge

Gaffney, who saw his side lose out to eventual champions Wasps in last year's semi finals, revealed he is looking forward to the next chapter in an already explosive history between the two sides.

"There is a great history between ourselves and Castres," said Gaffney, who was victorious the last times the sides met, a 25-17 2002 semi-final victory in Beziers. "We've had some great battles with them in the past and will all be looking forward to those two contests.

"Unfortunately the way the fixtures have fallen means we will have to travel to France immediately after the November internationals finish - that won't be easy for us but we'll just have to get on with it."

Gaffney admitted he was pleased with the Pool Four draw which also includes Welsh region Neath-Swansea Ospreys and Parker Pen champions NEC Harlequins.

"It's a reasonable draw and it will be nice to start at home," he said. "There are some good connections between us and Quins and it will be a nice fixture for Jeremy Staunton and Paul Burke, who have crossed over between the two clubs this summer.