Ireland captain Keith Wood, an integral part of Munster's Heineken European Cup final drive in 2000, will return to the province, albeit with NEC Harlequins, one of three teams the Irish province has drawn in Pool Four of next season's competition announced in yesterday's draw by European Rugby Cup Ltd (ERC).
Munster are also pitted against French side Castres, whom they twice defeated en route to the semi-final last season, and Welsh newcomers Bridgend. Leinster, based in Pool Six, take on French champions, Toulouse, top Welsh club side Newport and Newcastle.
Ulster's task is no less onerous in Pool Two, disputing the overall honours with the Lawrence Dallaglio-led Wasps, last season's beaten finalists Stade Francais, and top-ranked Italian side Benetton Treviso. Defending champions Leicester have drawn Llanelli, Perpignan and and Fly Flot Calvisano.
Wood, currently in action with the Lions in Australia, admitted: "During the week leading up to the European Shield final, I knew that if we beat Narbonne we would get Munster in our group. I am proud that my ability to look into the future is as strong as ever. As for the competition, well, it will be tough, especially in Munster. Thomond Park is the heart of European rugby."
Leinster, meanwhile, hope to announce the acquisition of Australian Adam Magro shortly, a versatile performer who can operate at centre or full back.
Pool One: Leicester Tigers (England 1); Perpignan (France 6); Llanelli (Wales 3); Fly Flot Amatori Calvisano (Italy 2).
Pool Two: London Wasps (England 2); Stade Francais (France 5); Ulster (Ireland 2); Benetton Treviso (Italy 1).
Pool Three: Bath Rugby (England 3); Biarritz Olympique (France 4); Swansea (Wales 1); Edinburgh Reivers (Scotland 2).
Pool Four: NEC Harlequins (England 4); Castres Olympique (France 3); Munster (Ireland 1); Bridgend (Wales 5).
Pool Five: Northampton Saints (England 5); AS Montferrand (France 2); Cardiff RFC (Wales 2); Glasgow Caledonians (Scotland 1).
Pool Six: Newcastle Falcons (England 6); Toulouse (France 1); Leinster (Ireland 3); Newport Rugby (Wales 4).
Fixtures Round One: September 28th/29th/30th. Round Two: October 5th/6th/7th. Round Three: October 26th/27th/28th. Round Four: November 2nd/3rd/4th. Round Five: January 4th/5th/6th. Round Six: January 11th/12th/13th.
Quarter-finals: January 25th/26th/27th. Semi-finals: April 27th/28th. Final: May 25th.
