 |  |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  | |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |  |
|  |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  | |  |
"Perpignan will be an extremely tough Amlin Challenge Cup opener for us but at the start of the season our coach Rob Baxter said that we would go out and attack every game and every tournament," said Mieres.
"We have done just that in our two domestic tournaments already and now we are going into the Amlin Challenge Cup - it is a big and exciting thing for us and we really want to do well in the tournament.
"As well as having Perpignan in our Pool we also play Newport Gwent Dragons - the away match will be no problem for our fans - and I Cavalieri Prato. The great thing about this competition is that you get away from your domestic opponents and have the opportunities for new experiences."
"James Hook is one of their big name signings and everyone knows he is a world class player who should prove to be a tremendous asset to the club - particularly as he can play at either 10 or 12, much like Gavin Hume - and it would be good if James is in their team on Friday.
"Perpignan is a very passionate place to go to and the crowd is amazing - they are fanatical about their rugby - while it means everything for the players to pull on that jersey and represent the town. The rugby club is at the heart of Perpignan and a huge part of their day-to-day life.
"I know they are not doing all that well at the moment but they are always a tough side to beat with powerful forwards and dangerous back.
"The philosophy at Perpignan is based on hard work and club loyalty and it is true they certainly like to scrum a great deal.
"So we know it is going to be a very physical game, although they also have strong and fast backs, and overall it will be a huge challenge for the Chiefs.
"We are a relatively new side to this level of European club competition - Friday will be only our seventh Amlin Challenge Cup game - so we are learning all the time while also knowing there is a lot of room for improvement in our game.
"A lot of players have come up through their youth system - they have Perpignan in their blood and really love the club - but even those not born in the area fall inn love with the town.
For example, when I went to Perpignan on loan Rimas (Alvarez Kairelis) was absolutely brilliant in making me feel at home from the moment I arrived. That is the sort of place it is.
"I joined Exeter from Stade Français and I am now in my second season with the Chiefs and loving every minute of it. There is a very professional set-up at Sandy Park and the players are a great bunch of guys.
