Michael Cheika Reacts To Leinster’s Draw

Leinster coach Michael Cheika believes his Heineken Cup champions will face the toughest task in European club rugby when they defend their title in the 15th season of the competition.

Defending champions Leinster, drawn with London Irish, the Scarlets and Brive in Pool 6, will be attempting to achieve what has only been done once before – win back-to-back Heineken Cup titles.

“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 Michael Cheika, giving his reaction to Tuesday’s draw.

“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.”