On their return to the biggest competition in club rugby, Saints
have found themselves in a pool with two-times winners Munster, French champions Perpignan and Italian title holders Treviso.

With only the top team from each of the six pools and the two best
runners-up going through to the knockout stages, it is a formidable draw for Saints.

But Mallinder is excited by the challenge and looking forward to
locking horns with Europe's elite.

"It's a very exciting and challenging draw for us," said Mallinder.

"The Heineken Cup is the best club competition in the world and it has lived up to its billing with the draw we have received.

"We are an ambitious club and if we want to improve we have to test ourselves against the best sides in Europe.

"We will certainly have the opportunity to do that next season against Munster, Perpignan and Treviso.

"It is also a great draw for the fans. One of the highlights of the season just gone was seeing the number of supporters who made the trips to places like Montpellier and Toulon.

"Next season they will have the opportunity to visit three countries and experience rugby culture in the heartlands of the game.

"I am certainly looking forward to the tournament."

Mallinder believes with the club's huge fanbase it deserves to be in the Heineken Cup, which Saints won in 2000 by beating Munster in the final at Twickenham.

"It is fantastic, exciting times to get the club back into Europe," he said.

"It is a massive club, with a big fanbase. They came down to the final in big numbers and they travel to all the European games in large numbers.

"They love the European games so it is good to get the club back in the Heinken Cup for them.

"Munster have been one of the form teams in the Heineken Cup since it started.

"As well as winning the tournament twice they have reached the final
several times and the knock-out stages regularly.

"Many of their players are familiar from their involvement with Ireland and the Lions and the atmosphere created by the fans at Thomond Park
is legendary.

"Perpignan have also played in the Heineken Cup final and last
Saturday they showed their pedigree when they beat Clermont Auvergne in the Top 14 final.

"Like Munster, Perpignan have a squad packed full of international players and it will be a good trip to southern France.

"And while we played Treviso in pre-season last year the Heineken Cup is a different matter. They too are their national champions and must not be taken lightly."