Leeds keen to reach quarter final

Key's Leeds have won four of their five European matches

Leeds Carnegie's director of rugby Andy Key is excited by the prospect of facing a top European side in the quarter-finals of the Challenge Cup.

Leeds host joint Pool One leaders Bourgoin on Sunday, with the winner qualifying for the quarter-finals.

"Having sides coming down from the Heineken Cup for the next round makes it very exciting for us," Key told BBC Radio Leeds.

"To have a big European side come to Headingley would be great."

If Leeds do win on Sunday, and top Pool One, then they will host one of the clubs that drop down from the Heineken Cup.

"To have the opportunity to play one of the clubs that's been competing in the Heineken Cup at home would be very exciting for Leeds Carnegie," explained Key.

"We can't say who we'll play next if we get through.

"But if you look at a close group like the one with Clermont Auvergne, Leicester Tigers and The Ospreys in, it means we could host one of those and what an occasion that would be."

Leeds lost to Bourgoin in France in their opening cup game 29-19 back in October.

I think the myth of French sides not being strong on their travels is a weak one now.

Andy Key

But they have since gone on to win all of their other group games, while Bourgoin's defeat in Parma sets up Sunday's winner-takes-all encounter.

"They are very tough and like to throw the ball around," added Key.

"They reached the final last season and ran Northampton close and I know they'll want to get there again.

"They are a side that are very dangerous and can hurt you if you give them time and space on the ball.

"I think the myth of French sides not being strong on their travels is a weak one now.

"With the competition now going on for so long it's given French clubs much more experience of planning in this country and now they are very strong away from home.

"So we expected a fired up Bourgoin side and we certainly will not underestimate them at all."

BBC Radio Leeds has exclusive full match commentary on 774 AM, DAB & online on Sunday from 1400 GMT.