The European Rugby Challenge Cup holders have been placed in Heineken Champions Cup Pool A but have the unenvious task of taking on the 2020 Heineken Champions Cup winners Exeter and 2018 winners in Leinster.

But despite the seemingly daunting task, Saint-André has said he wants to challenge his side against the best that Europe has to offer.

“We knew we were going to face two tough opponents and that is what we have got – two big clashes,” he said after the draw.

“But that's also why we played the Challenge Cup and won it - to play in the [Heineken] Champions Cup and to play matches of a very high level.

“We play two of the biggest teams in the Europe and it will be a good opportunity to gauge yourself against two big European outfits.

"We can only be envious but taking on two teams of this calibre is great for the players, the club, our development and our fans who will see matches of a very high level.

“In the pool stage, we will play a semi-final and a final against two teams that are potentially favourites to win this competition.

“Our players will be ready because we know that European matches can be played at international pace and the matches are broadcast all over the world.

“For Australian and English players, these are massive matches and no doubt we find ourselves in the big leagues."

Montpellier Hérault Rugby’s director of rugby Philippe Saint-André has said he can’t wait to pit his side against two European heavyweights in Exeter Chiefs and Leinster Rugby.