Northampton Saints will face Irish side Leinster, Ospreys of Wales and French club Castres in Pool One of the Heineken Cup.
Northampton director of rugby, Jim Mallinder, admits that his side have been drawn in a difficult group.
"It is a very tough draw for us," Mallinder told The Guardian.
"Leinster have proved time and again in the last few years that they are one of the top teams in European rugby, Ospreys have won the Pro 12 twice in the last four years and have five Lions in their squad and we know that Castres will be as tough as they come.
"All six matches will be tough and we will do doing our hardest to make the knock-out stage."
Elsewhere, Saracens face Toulouse, Connacht and Zebre in Pool Three, while this year's winners Toulin face Cardiff Blues, Exeter Chiefs and Glasgow Warriors in Pool Two.
