Gala will face two former Scotland coaches after being given an exciting draw in the British and Irish Cup.
George Graham's Borders side will face both Leeds, whose director of rugby is Ian McGeechan, and Bristol, who are currently coached by Andy Robinson.
Graham, who represented Scotland under the former, said: "Leeds and Bristol have always been in the upper reaches of the English Championship and with these people at the helm they will just keep getting better. We do have quite a big pack and I'll be asking the players to learn from the experience last season when we were swept aside by Llanelli. We'll be determined to up our performance."
The other teams from north of the border have also figured in intriguing draws. Edinburgh Accies will face London Scottish and London Welsh, while Ayr – the Premiership champions – launch their campaign in Jersey before playing Cornish Pirates and Ulster Ravens. Stirling County have a daunting trip to Munster A before matches against Plymouth Albion and Nottingham.
Bob Easson, the Edinburgh Accies director, said: "We are working really hard to continue to professionalise the set-up at Accies. This event gives the players the chance to benchmark themselves and experience rugby at a higher level."
Peter Laverie, the assistant coach of Ayr, added: "What we discovered is that, especially against English sides, was that you have to match the physicality straight away."
Graeme Young of Stirling echoed that, saying: "You can watch pro rugby on TV but until you take part you won't understand the physicality required. The difference between us and the top end of the English championship was a couple of levels, particularly on the conditioning side last season. If our guys are going to become better rugby players they have to be exposed to a higher level."
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