Dafydd James adds a cutting edge to Bridgend's backs

The two most high profile signings were Welsh internationals Dafydd James and Gareth Thomas from Llanelli and Cardiff respectively.

While both players have added an extra cutting edge to an already potent Brewery Field backline, Bridgend are still lacking up front.

The addition of Wales back row Nathan Budgett, plus lock Deiniol Jones from Ebbw Vale helped to alleviate the situation, but the former may miss the opening matches of the campaign after injuring his ankle.

John also signed former Wales prop Christian Loader from Pontypridd, plus Canada prop John Thiel and hooker Joe Clarke, but Bridgend have continued to creak alarmingly at set-pieces.

However, first choice fly half Craig Warlow should soon be back from shoulder surgery to mastermind the attacking options behind the scrum and unleash some fearsome runners.

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Castres

Castres will again come up against Munster in their group.

Having lost twice last season to the Irish provincial champions, they will not be looking forward to meeting Mick Galwey and his gang again.

Not thought of as a major force in French rugby, they nevertheless had quite a good run last season under the captaincy of Lions lock Jeremy Davidson.

A lot of responsibility lies with Gregor Townsend

With Davidson now back with his native Ulster, Castres wil be looking to Scotland's Gregor Townsend to guide them through what will prove a difficult preliminary round.

Townsend is joined in a highly cosmopolitan squad by his fellow Scot Shaun Longstaff, New Zealand's Norm Berryman, Argentine forwards Carlos Fernandez Lobbe and Mauricio Reggiardo, Georgia's Levan Tsabadze and the flamboyant flanker Ismaella Lassissi, who hails from the Ivory Coast.

French strength in the guise of former national captain Raphael Ibanez and the vision of Ugo Mola will add to the international flavour and ensure Castres are no pushovers.

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Harlequins

The London side secured their place in the Heineken Cup with victory at the end of last season in Europe's sister competition, the Shield.

Quins will have to improve on their sluggish start to the domestic season if they are to add more European silverware to the trophy room this season.

Dan Luger returns to the Stoop after a season at Saracens

Their major coup over the summer was securing the signature of England winger Dan Luger, who is sure to add potency to a back line that already boasts the dangerous Will Greenwood.

The pack will be led by hooker Keith Wood, recently nominated for the world player of the year, but will be without the influential Australian David Wilson because of injury.

One of the highlights of the pool will see Wood returning to his old stamping ground in Limerick when Quins tackle Munster in a match that may determine the group winners.

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Munster

They may have been off to a slow start this season, but Munster are moving very dangerously into threatening form.

Any team that puts 50 on the board against Cardiff as they did in the Celtic League, has to be a major player in Europe, and particularly in the opening pool stages.

Mick Galwey's side are going to be a high-profile team this season again, particularly in their own backyard in Limerick.

Jim Williams will add a potency around the fringes

Beaten finalists two season's ago, and robbed of a final slot last April after having a try disallowed, they lost Wallaby John Langford - and then found him again.

Langford had gone home to Australia to retire, but after a change of mind he returned to boost a pack that is nearly passing the the veteran stage.

The suspicion remains that Munster may be on the wane as age catches up with some of their star performers, although the likes of Galwey and prop Peter Clohessy are still hungry for European success.

One new signing to add an extra dimension, and potentially take over the dynamic mantle Keith Wood held at the club two years ago, is former Wallaby back-row forward Jim Williams who has joined from ACT Brumbies.

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