Barnes is excited about playing in the Heineken Cup

Bath prop David Barnes has praised the club's fan base, following the draw for the pool stages of the Heineken Cup.

Bath, who last played in the European Cup in 2006, will face Toulouse, Newport Gwent Dragons and Glasgow in pool 5 of the competition.

"They stuck with us while we've been in the European Challenge Cup," Barnes told BBC Radio Bristol.

"Now the Heineken Cup gives an opportunity to see such good players and it's something they deserve."

Interview: Bath prop David Barnes

"To be honest I'm quite excited about the prospect of playing Toulouse," he added

"I've been lucky in my career to play against a lot of big sides, but I've never actually played against Toulouse. For a lot of us we're looking at it thinking what a great fixture."

"Glasgow and Newport as well are going to be tough games. Newport have got a really good record against English sides at home, so they're certainly not going to be an easy side to beat, while Scottish sides are becoming stronger and stronger."