Tough Euro draw for Exiles

Holley upbeat his Ospreys can emerge from tough group

Last updated: 8th June 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Tough Euro draw for Exiles

Booth: Ready for the challenge

There is no denying that it will be challenging but if you want to be associated with the best teams in Europe, as London Irish does, then you have to test yourself against the very best and we certainly will be doing that next season

Toby Booth
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London Irish head coach Toby Booth admits his side have ended up in the "Group of Death" in the Heineken Cup.

The draw in Cardiff saw the Exiles placed alongside two-time champions Munster and Magners League winners Ospreys.

With Top 14 big-spenders Toulon completing Pool 3, the Guinness Premiership side have a fight on their hands to reach the knockout stages.

While admitting it will be challenging, Booth feels the games will show just how much London Irish have developed over the last few years.

"Normally when the Heineken Cup draw is made there is a 'Group of Death' and it looks like Pool 3 will be that group this year," he told London Irish's official website.

"There is no denying that it will be challenging but if you want to be associated with the best teams in Europe, as London Irish does, then you have to test yourself against the very best and we certainly will be doing that next season.

"Our progress in the group will be a useful benchmark to how far the club has developed in recent years."

Wildcard

Ospreys made it out of the group phase of last season's Heineken Cup before being knocked out by eventual finalists Biarritz.

Head coach Sean Holley, who has guided the Welsh side to the last eight for three seasons on the spin, echoed the sentiments of Booth while warning that Toulon were always the "wildcard" ahead of their Heineken Cup debut.

"It is European rugby's elite tournament and you have to be prepared to roll up your sleeves and face some big challenges," Holley told www.ospreysrugby.com.

"Toulon were always going to be the wildcard - they have huge resources though and I've no doubt that they will be even stronger next season.

"London Irish are a very good side, well coached and full of potential. Munster are a European heavyweight and it will be good to have the big crowds and big occasions associated with the tradition they have."

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