Lock Reinhard Nothnagel says the Lions are eager to test themselves against the world’s best clubs in the Investec Champions Cup.
The Joburg-based side will make their debut in Europe’s premier club competition against two-time champions La Rochelle in France on 17 October.
The Lions then welcome six-time champions Toulouse to Ellis Park on 12 December in what should be their toughest assignment of the pool stage.
In January, coach Ivan van Rooyen’s men travel to London to face Saracens on the 10th before hosting the Exeter Chiefs on the 16th.
“Playing against La Rochelle and Toulouse – arguably some of the best clubs in the world – will definitely be a big challenge for us, but a challenge we look forward to,” Nothnagel said.
“It’s our first season playing in the Champions Cup, so it’s a massive honour and privilege … it’s probably the biggest club competition in the world.
“You always want to measure yourself against the best in the world, so this is a great platform to do that.”
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The Lions are one of three South African teams in this season’s competition, alongside the Bulls and Stormers, who both begin their campaigns at home on 17 October.
The Bulls will host Stade Français at Loftus, while the Stormers take on the Bristol Bears in Cape Town.
“The best thing [about the Champions Cup] is travelling to different countries,” said Bristol loose forward Viliame Mata. “Playing at home is great, but away, the fans are on your ears throughout the game, and that’s intense.”
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Meanwhile, defending champions Bordeaux Bègles will launch their bid for a third successive title at Gloucester on 16 October.
“There’s a bit of pressure, not only to perform but take control of the competition straight away,” said Bordeaux prop Ben Tameifuna. “We’re really excited for it … when round one comes around, we’ll be flying.”
Leinster, who lost last season’s final to Bordeaux, begin their campaign away to Clermont.
“We got some really good learning off the back of it,” said Leinster wing Jordan Larmour. “We had some really honest conversations as a group and we’re trying to take as many learnings forward as possible into this season.
“The Champions Cup is massive. It’s such a special tournament – it’s probably the best club competition that you can be involved in… everyone’s chasing that star, everyone in this competition wants to win it.”
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Munster flyhalf Jack Crowley echoed those sentiments ahead of his side’s opening clash against Racing 92 in Limerick.
“The Champions Cup is everything. It’s what I grew up watching Munster being a part of – winning trophies, knockout stages, semi-finals.
“When you look at the calendar … you’re into Champions Cup – it’s class that it comes around so quickly! It gets the buzz going straight away. You’ve got to be ready.”
Photo: Willem Loock/INPHO
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Lock Reinhard Nothnagel says the Lions are eager to test themselves against the world’s best clubs in the Investec Champions Cup.
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