Scrum-half Kevin Barrett has insisted that the Exeter Chiefs will have to raise their standard once again if they are to make an impact in Europe.
The Devon club only gained promotion to the Aviva Premiership in 2010 but reached the quarter-finals of the Amlin Challenge Cup last season and qualified for the upcoming campaign's Heineken Cup after finishing fifth in the league.
Despite being grouped with Heineken Cup holders Leinster, Barrett says that the club are relishing the challenge ahead.
"I think we are under no illusions that we are going to have to up it another notch this coming season," said Barrett.
"Heineken Cup rugby is the pinnacle for any rugby player playing in Europe, so to have the opportunity to play in that competition is great.
"We want to represent ourselves and the club really well. We went in as a low seeding, so that meant we were always going to have some tough places to go. Looking at what we've been drawn against, it doesn't come much tougher than Leinster in Dublin. It is going to be a great experience for everyone involved."
French giants Clermont Auvergne and Welsh region Scarlets complete the Chiefs' Heineken Cup group.
