London Irish head coach Toby Booth admits his side's European Cup pool is certain to produce a ferocious battle to qualify for the knockout stages.
The Exiles were drawn alongside two-time champions Munster, Celtic League winners Ospreys and Jonny Wilkinson's Toulon in Tuesday's draw.
Each member of that pool will believe they can win the trophy at the Millennium Stadium next May, but as many as three of them could fail to even reach the quarter-finals.
With such formidable opponents lying in wait, Booth knows London Irish have been handed the toughest possible draw.
"Normally when the European Cup draw is made there is a 'Group of Death' and it looks like Pool Three will be that group this year," Booth told the club's official website.
"There is no denying that it will be challenging but if you want to be associated with the best teams in Europe, as London Irish does, then you have to test yourself against the very best and we certainly will be doing that next season."
Both Munster and the Ospreys reached the knockout phase last season, where they were both eliminated by beaten finalists Biarritz, while cash-rich Toulon's rise in European rugby saw them reach the European Challenge Cup final, which they lost to Cardiff Blues.
Ospreys head coach Sean Holley has guided his side to the last-eight in each of the past three seasons and is optimistic of repeating the feat despite their tough draw.
"It is European rugby's elite tournament and you have to be prepared to roll up your sleeves and face some big challenges," Holley told the Ospreys' official website.
"Toulon were always going to be the wildcard - they have huge resources though and I've no doubt that they will be even stronger next season.
"London Irish are a very good side, well coached and full of potential. Munster are a European heavyweight and it will be good to have the big crowds and big occasions associated with the tradition they have."
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