Heineken Cup rugby is the pinnacle - Chiefs

Last season the 32-year-old, who is currently his second spell with the Chiefs, helped Rob Baxter's side qualify for the quarter-finals of the Amlin Challenge Cup in what was only the Devon club's second European campaign while also finishing fifth spot in the Aviva Premiership securing a Heineken Cup spot.

And having been paired in the same group in Pool 5 with European superpower Leinster, French giants ASM Clermont Auvergne and Welsh region Scarlets, it's a daunting challenge that awaits the Westcountry's premier rugby club.
Barrett, like his team-mates, is relishing the prospect of tackling Europe's elite.

"I think we are under no illusions that we are going to have to up it another notch this coming season," said Barrett. "Heineken Cup rugby is the pinnacle for any rugby player playing in Europe, so to have the opportunity to play in that competition is great.

"We want to represent ourselves and the club really well. We went in as a low seeding, so that meant we were always going to have some tough places to go. Looking at what we've been drawn against, it doesn't come much tougher than Leinster in Dublin. It is going to be a great experience for everyone involved."

Before the Chiefs worry too much about European battle, it's the hard work of pre-season and the opening weeks of the Premiership campaign which will occupy the thoughts of Barrett and his fellow Chiefs.

"The boys are working really hard," said the former Saracens star. "It is obviously up a notch year on year, which we are experiencing at the minute, but I think it is bringing the best out of everyone. Hopefully we will see good results come the start of the season.

Certainly Barrett and his fellow Chiefs will be keen to put their hard work into practice when they face Connacht (August 11), Cornish Pirates (August 18) and Glasgow Warriors (August 23) in their three pre-season fixtures.
The first two of those tests will come at Sandy Park where the Exeter supporters will be able to get a close look at a number of Baxter's summer signings.

Barrett admits he has been impressed by the quality brought into the playing ranks and knows the battle for a starting spot in the Exeter line-up will be intense over the coming weeks.

"You look around and some of the faces Rob has brought in have got a lot of experience - and I think that will really help us out this season," added Barrett. "With a long season, fighting on three fronts, but mainly the Premiership and the Heineken Cup, you need a good, strong squad with depth, which I am sure we have got.

"The important thing is Rob has got strength in every position, so hopefully he will be able to mix it up a little bit and that's going to allow us to fight on all fronts."

The fixtures, dates and kick-offs of Rounds 1 to 4 of the 2012/13 Heineken Cup season will be announced in the week of 23 July. Follow @ercrugby in Twitter to get them first.