Deacon Manu admits he is hoping the Scarlets are paired with French outfit Racing Metro in Tuesday's Heineken Cup draw.

Prop Manu skippered Fiji for the first time in their 49-3 defeat to Australia in Canberra at the weekend.

But the 31-year-old tight-head is praying the Welsh region can draw international team-mate Sereli Bobo's side, who are one of two new teams in Europe's premier competition alongside Toulon this season.

"It would be nice if we are drawn against some of the Fijian boys like Sereli,” said Manu.

”Meeting up with team-mates at different clubs is one of the good things about international rugby.

"It would be good to catch up. It's huge for Fiji that Sereli is back in the national fold. He has great experience and has great respect from all the other players.

"All the players look up to him for advice and it's great on and off the field."

The Scarlets were handed a back-door route for qualification this season after Cardiff Blues triumphed in the Amlin Challenge Cup to create an extra spot for Wales.

And Manu has expressed his relief at having the opportunity to take on the very best Europe can offer once again.

"In some regards, it was disappointing we could not control our own destiny but being in the Heineken Cup is really big for us,” added Manu.

"We enjoy playing in Europe and it's the showcase competition of rugby. As a Scarlets player who lives in Llanelli, the Heineken Cup is something that is dear to our heart. It is a special tournament.

"Every pool will be tough but we are looking forward to the draw."

The Heineken Cup draw takes place in Cardiff on Tuesday, June 8 at 11am and will be streamed live on ercrugby.com.