Leinster's new signing Steven Sykes has spoke of his desire to keep his new side at the top of European rugby after arriving in Dublin last week.
The former Sharks second-row, who has signed a three-year deal with the Heineken Cup Champions, was impressed by the Irish province's form last season and is looking forward to the challenge of the European game.
"It's a new challenge for me and it's exciting," he said.
"I have been following Leinster for a couple of year now and since I signed at the start of the year I have watched all of their games.
"It's tough getting to the top like Leinster have but it is even tougher staying there.
"The boys have been working hard through pre-season and I have only been here a couple of days and have already felt it.
"I think we are going to have a big season.
"Leinster is a leading European club, regularly challenging for top honours, and its great to be involved."
Leinster, who lifted their second Heineken Cup title in Cardiff in May, begin the defence of their crown with a trip to Montpellier in November, before welcoming Glasgow Warriors to the RDS the following week.