Glasgow Warriors were last night drawn in the same pool as the champions Toulon for next season's Heineken Cup campaign.

They will also face Exeter Chiefs and Cardiff Blues, teams who should not present insurmountable tasks for a side which has grown in stature over the last season.

Edinburgh, on the other hand, meet formidable opposition in the shape of the former champions Munster, the prominent French side Perpignan and the ever-improving Gloucester.

Gregor Townsend, the Glasgow head coach, was excited by the prospect of meeting the champions.

"Toulon have got a world- class team and they've built a global reputation on who they've signed and the passion of their supporters, so I can't wait," he told the club's official website. "It will be a cracking game at Scotstoun.

"I've played at the Stade Mayol twice in my career and they were definitely highlights. It was an experience and atmosphere like no other at club level. The whole occasion will be great for our players.

"Cardiff have introduced a lot of young players and also have a number of Lions' players including the captain Sam Warburton so it will be extremely tough . . . I have a bit of a soft spot for Exeter; my brother played for them and still lives down there so I've tracked their progress very closely. They've built a fantastic club off the field and have recruited very well."