Booth ready for fresh challenges

"Last year we were in the so-called Pool of Death while this time around we have been drawn in the Pool of Attack.

"Last year's experience will benefit us this time around and we are licking our lips at what lies ahead.

"It is Heineken Cup folklore but it is true, we must win our home games and try and pick up points away from home. It is going to be a frantic start to the season but we are up for the challenge and want to go one step further than last year."

The French challenge comes in the shape of Racing Metro 92, who are relatively new to the European top flight, and their coach Simon Mannix accepts that while last season they were in the toughest pool of the lot things are not much better this time around.

"We have to look at this draw as a great opportunity for us to explore new territory against a very strong London Irish side and teams from two other countries we have never played before.

"We are still a very young side in terms of European experience - this will be only our third season in any European competition - but a great part of the Heineken Cup is seeing how other clubs from other countries play the game, so we are really looking forward to coming up against Cardiff Blues and Edinburgh as the first sides we have faced from either Wales or Scotland.

"Last season we were in probably the toughest pool but the experience we got from playing against Leinster, Saracens and Clermont, will stand us in good stead and we are really looking forward to the opportunity of playing against some of the best teams in Europe."