The Scarlets will once again entertain one of the power-houses of Europe as they come up against Clermont Auvergne for the second year running in what promises to be a thrilling Heineken Cup campaign.
Drawn in Pool Four in the Heineken Cup 2013-14 the Scarlets will go head to head against Heineken Cup finalists Clermont Auvergne, Aviva Premiership semi finalists Harlequins and French side Racing Metro who finished 6th in the French Top 14.
Having achieved a top four in the RaboDirect PRO12 in his first year as Head Coach Simon Easterby will be looking forward to leading his men into battle against three top European sides.
New British & Irish Lion Jonathan Davies come up against Wales and Lions centre partner Jamie Roberts as the Scarlets take on Racing Metro at Parc y Scarlets – undoubtedly a highlight for Scarlets Season Members.
Easterby has a European pedigree as a player that speaks for itself with 56 European games and 20 points to his name and knows full well the intensity, spirit and preparation required for the Heineken Cup.
The former Irish and Lions flanker said that Europe was the competition that lights the fire in coaches, players and Scarlets supporters alike, he said: “To have the opportunity to play some of the very best sides in Europe is what the Heineken Cup is all about and this draw pits us against three of Europe’s most exciting sides.
“It will be a huge motivation and drive for us as coaches and for players and supporters alike and it is these fixtures where we prepare to be at our best, hit our best form and really rise to these big rugby occasions.
“Across the groups, our pool probably has the highest quality teams within it and that may be seen as tough for us however, we’ll see this as a huge opportunity to show what Scarlets rugby and spirit is all about.
“There is a fresh feel to the fixtures we’ll have two French sides and one of the top teams in the English Premiership so plenty to get excited about as Scarlets supporters as well.
“If anything our form in Europe last season will stand us in good stead now as the players will use that experience to ensure we improve on our showing. The competition in this group means we have no choice but to bring the very best we can offer as a side.
Scarlets came up against French power-house Clermont Auvergne in last season’s Heineken Cup and the West Wales region will be keen to put in strong performances once again against well-known opposition, Easterby went on to say: “We have plenty of recent history with Clermont and they will be looking to thrive and challenge after coming so close last season; we’ll have some insight into them as a team and certainly some fresh motivation after our recent encounters.
“Racing Metro are bolstered from heavy investment in their squad with plenty of recruitment to build quality and depth already underway including Welsh players Jamie Roberts and Dan Lydiate joining their ranks.
“To come up against a quality side in Paris will be something that as Scarlets we’ll relish.
“Harlequins perform at the top of the English Premiership and will have unfinished business after being knocked out by Munster so again there will be plenty of confidence and drive from them as a side.
“High quality opposition is no surprise in this competition and regardless of the challenge it’s going to make for an interesting and exciting Scarlets European campaign in 2013/14 and one we’ll really look forward to as a team.”
With all Heineken Cup pool fixtures included in the season membership packages Scarlets Chief Executive Mark Davies added: “It’s worth considering the remarkable and fantastic opportunity we have in this Heineken Cup draw of seeing our West Wales region based in Llanelli come up against the might of Paris, London and a side backed by one of the biggest private business in Europe in Michelin.
“This draw gives us the very best excitement and anticipation we could have asked for from a high profile competition like the Heineken Cup; and gives our season ticket holders and our new supporters plenty to feel proud about from being part of the Scarlets at heart and soul rugby country.
“In terms of the quality of these fixtures, we saw a world 15 on the pitch from both sides last time we played Clermont; and given the investment at Racing Metro ahead of next season this campaign will give us another world 15 on the field for supporters to enjoy along with the great English v Welsh encounters with Harlequins playing attractive rugby at the top of the Premiership.”
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