Clermont topped Heineken Champions Cup Pool 3 last season but were knocked out at the quarter-final stage last season by eventual finalists Racing 92.

And although the 2019 Challenge Cup winners have plenty of European pedigree, Azema admits he is weary of the challenges coming up in Europe.

“We know Munster well, having seen them a few times,” Azema said. “They represent the values of the competition and are probably one of the most well-represented at the knockout stages since the creation of the Champions Cup,” Azema told the Clermont website.

“Together with Leinster, Munster build around very experienced players like CJ Stander, Peter O’Mahony, Keith Earls and Conor Murray and they form the backbone of the Irish national team which is among the best in the world.

“It will be a very big challenge. The draw promises four matches of a very high level where we will have to be at our best level to qualify for the quarter-finals.

“We are playing at a very high level and the Bristol Bears are a formidable team.

“The arrival of Pat Lam is crucial to the progress of this team, and season after season they seem to have enormous ambition. The arrivals of Semi Radradra and Kyle Sinckler are proof of this.

“Bristol players produce a lot of play and build around ball circulation. They will be formidable and unprecedented opponents for the club - certainly enough to provide exciting opponents!”

ASM Clermont Auvergne head coach Franck Azema is expecting a “big challenge” from his side’s Heineken Champions Cup opponents next season, having been drawn against two-time winners Munster Rugby and Challenge Cup holders Bristol Bears.