POOL D

Colomiers

Coach: Jacques Brunel.

Captain: Jean Luc Sadourny.

Ground: Stade Selery.

Colours: White/Blue sleeves.

One to watch: Marc Biboulet (wing). Played against Ireland at A international level last season. Typically French, quick and elusive.

Prospects: Inspired by French full back Jean Luc Sadourny behind the scrum and hooker Marc del Maso up front they should be combative. Reached French semi-finals last year. Should vie with Pontypridd for overall pool winners.

Pontypridd

Coach: Dennis John.

Captain: Neil Jenkins.

Ground: Sardis Road.

Colours: Black/White.

One to watch: Dale McIntosh (number eight). At least for the time that Big Chief is on the pitch. The New Zealand-born Maori has a poor disciplinary record. Famously sent off in the battle of Brive last year and also involved in subsequent bar-room brawl.

Prospects: Last year they demonstrated that they can compete with the top French and English teams. Realistically the only threat to French domination of the competition. Led by points machine Neil Jenkins and packed with international talent. Potential finalists.

Benetton Treviso

Coach: Christian Gajan.

Captain: Alessendro Troncon.

Ground: Stadio Comunale di Mongio.

Colours: White/Green/Blue.

One to watch: Adrian Richter (number eight). South African international who will bring guile and strength to an impressive looking Treviso pack.

Prospects: Big pack that includes internationals Franco Properzi, Diego Scaglia, Mauro dal Sie, Valter Cristofoletto and Carlo Checchinato. Scrum-half Alessandro Troncon and centre Ivan Francescato are the stars behind the scrum. Third place.

Glasgow Caledonians

Coach: Keith Robertson.

Captain: Rob Wainwright.

Ground: Firhill Stadium.

Colours: Sky Blue/Red.

One to watch: Shaun Longstaff (wing). The New Zealand-born flyer has made a big impression in his six appearances for Scotland.

Prospects: No shortage of international talent but still struggling to marry individual flair into a cohesive team unit. Will rely on the place-kicking ability of Rowen Shepherd and the leadership of army officer and Lion Rob Wainwright. Bottom of the pile.