Pool draw throws Leinster into uncharted waters

LEINSTER will be treading unfamiliar paths in their attempt to reclaim the Heineken Cup title next season but Shane Horgan is looking forward to reacquainting himself with some familiar faces.

The champions will play in Pool Six alongside Premiership finalists London Irish and Top 14 outfit Brive – neither of whom they have met in Europe before – as well as the Scarlets who they last faced in this competition a decade ago.

Horgan has no doubts about the glamour clash. “There’s going to be a huge crowd for that – an Irish province against London Irish. There’s always something special there. We’re playing them in pre-season as well so we’ll get a bit familiar with them. We’ll be playing against Bob Casey also, a guy who played for Leinster and who is still loved back here. He’s still very highly regarded and would be a good friend to a lot of the guys. It’ll be great to play against Bob. Both games will be an occasion.”