This is the third time we have met the current English Premiership champions in Pool stages of the Heineken Cup. Previous results prove the contest was equally matched with the home side generally coming out on top. The two teams drew in a friendly earlier this season and judging by their reputation as an English powerhouse, this has the potential to be the toughest of the Pool games for Ulster.
The Province has not played Montpellier before in the Competition but Montpellier have been challenging strongly in the Top 14 over the past few seasons and as they become a more experienced Heineken team they will hoping to make the knock out stages for the first time. The home crowd will welcome back a former fan favourite, winger Timoci Nagusa, who is now a regular for the French side.
The final place in the Pool went to fellow RaboDirect PRO12 competitors, Benetton Treviso. The sides drew at Ravenhill this season but the away trip proved more successful for the Ulster team, who came away with a close 16-15 victory.
Ulster’s Director of Rugby, David Humphreys, says: “The days of an easy Heineken Cup draw are now gone and every season the competition and quality of opposition gets better and better. Once again, we’ve been drawn in a tough Pool against opponents that we know well in Leicester and Treviso but also Montpellier, a team we have never played previously. The challenge of facing Leicester is highlighted by their recent performances in becoming Aviva Premiership winners while Montpellier and Treviso have become increasingly competitive in their respective domestic leagues but also in Europe. Once again the draw has thrown up some very exciting fixtures and everyone, players and management, are looking forward to another exciting Heineken Cup campaign".
We look forward to welcoming our Heineken Cup Pool challengers to Ravenhill. To ensure you get tickets to all of the home Heineken Cup fixtures, season tickets are currently available online at http://ulsterrugby.iristickets.co.uk/.