Tournament debutants Montpellier welcome Heineken Cup Champions Leinster to the south of France on Saturday afternoon.
Fabien Galthie's side made it through to the quarter-final stage of the Amlin Challenge Cup last season but their form has seen them win just two of their opening nine games in the French TOP14.
A host of Internationals have return to Stade Yves du Manoir but with former Champions Bath their next opponents following Leinster it will be a tough few first weeks in the Heineken Cup.
Leinster's pedigree makes impressive reading - two Heineken Cup titles in the past three seasons.
After lifting the crown in a thrilling final in Cardiff back in May confidence will be high for the Irish Province heading to France for their opening encounter.
Leinster have won all their games on the road in France during the past two seasons and will be hoping their fortunes continue as they begin the 2011/12 season.
A major blow for the Champions is the loss of inspirational centre Brian O'Driscoll who has been ruled out with a neck / shoulder injury until May.
