Cheika: HEC defence will be tough

Leinster coach Micheal Cheika feels his side have been given a tough first step as they look to defend their Heineken Cup crown.

To many Leinster fans the fact that they have finally won European rugby’s top prize may still be sinking in, but the draw for the pool stages of the 2009/10 competition has already been staged, with the champions paired with Brive, London Irish and The Scarlets on Tuesday.

As he looks to lead his side to back-to-back crowns – a feat achieved just once – Cheika is aware that his team are now very much there to be got at following their final win over Leicester Tigers last month.

"As champions you are always more of a target, you are there to be shot at, and history has proven that defending The Heineken Cup is a massive task,” said the Leinster chief.

"Leicester managed it once but history is certainly against you and so far it has proved too much for all the other Heineken Cup winners.

"Every pool in next season's tournament is a tough one and we know that going to Brive will be extremely challenging.

"London Irish did exceptionally well in the Premiership last season and we know The Scarlets well, that week in week out they are capable of getting the right results.

"The draw has thrown up plenty of potentially high-quality matches and I can't wait for us to start defending the title."