Coach: Declan Kidney.

Captain: Mick Galwey.

Ground: Musgrave Park (Thomond Park).

Colours: Red/White.

One to watch: Tom Tierney (scrum-half). Strong, powerful, good hands, plenty of potential.

Prospects: Declan Kidney has struggled to find the perfect combination up front and consequently Munster have lacked a stable platform in the interprovincials. Not helped by several players operating below par. Would be better served if Thomond Park was available but should benefit from a kind draw. Should reach knockout stages.

Fixtures

v Perpignan Oct 10th (a), Oct 31st (h).

v Neath Sept 26th (h), Oct 17th (a).

v Padova Sept 19th (h), Nov 6th/7th/8th (a).

Perpignan

Coach: Alain Hyardet.

Captain: Thomas Lievremont.

Ground: Stade Aime Giral.

Colours: Red/Gold.

One to watch: Raphael Ibanez (hooker). French captain and inspirational figure.

Prospects: Have started the domestic season auspiciously. Good side, backboned by several internationals including Lievremont, Ibanez and former French outhalf Didier Camberabero, now 37. Probable pool winners.

Neath

Coach: Lyn Jones.

Captain: Patrick Horgan.

Ground: The Gnoll.

Colours: Black.

One to watch: Colin Laity (centre). One of the old guard from the days when Neath were a team to be feared.

Prospects: Pretty gloomy. Had debts of £600,000 and were bought out by the WRU. The entire pack from last season has moved on leaving just a skeleton crew populated by untried youngsters. Should struggle.

Padova

Coach: Vittorio Munari.

Captain: To be announced.

Ground: Stadio Plebiscito.

Colours: Black.

One to watch: Martin Berry (out-half). Big New Zealander who directs operations.

Prospects: Did well to finish runners-up behind Treviso in last year's championship. Potentially awkward opponents at home but those aspiring to greater heights should be able to vault this hurdle. Bottom of the group.