While thrilled to be back in the European top-flight for the first time since 2010/11, the Englishman knows the Welsh region will have their hands full dealing with Gallagher Premiership runners-up Wasps and French side Bordeaux-Bègles.

"I think we can give anybody a serious game, but we need all our best players available and we need to be at our best,” he told BBC Sport Wales.

"We haven't dwelled on being daunted by who they (our opponents) are; we're going to enjoy it and we're excited to experience what Champions Cup rugby looks like."

Ryan is especially excited to be drawn against Wasps, whom he captained for three of his six seasons there between 1989 and 1995, and who he admitted have played the largest part in his career.

"I've got plenty of links back at Wasps, but I'm really excited to be going up against a side that have been on a fantastic trajectory over the last three or four months under Lee Blackett. For the first time it feels more real, knowing who we've got as opposition," he said.

Dragons also have a past link with Bordeaux-Bègles on their coaching staff, with forwards coach Luke Narraway having coached there.

Dragons director of rugby Dean Ryan believes his side will need to be at full strength at all times if they are to make an impact on Pool A of the forthcoming Heineken Champions Cup.