Heineken Cup pool is exciting, says Toby Booth

Last season saw Irish drawn with Toulon, Leinster and Ospreys

London Irish head coach Toby Booth says he is expecting exciting rugby from next season's Heineken Cup pool.

The Exiles have been drawn in Pool Two with Cardiff Blues, Edinburgh and Parisian big-spenders, Racing Metro.

Booth told BBC Berkshire: "We've moved from the 'group of death' to the 'group of entertainment.

"The sides that we're grouped with all play very positively and expansively, so if nothing else, it should prove to be pleasing on the eye."

Last season Irish were drawn with heavyweights Munster, Ospreys and Toulon and although their draw for next season looks better, Booth says the approach will the same.

"We go into every game expecting to perform well and trying to win the contest," he said.

"We'll approach this group no differently to the group before and do everything we can to try to push on and win our home games and try to pick up points on the road because that's the route to getting through your pool."

Despite Racing Metro recently finishing second in the Top 14 standings in France, Booth expects the biggest challenge to come from Wales.

"Cardiff obviously have a massive history in the tournament and they always perform well in the Heineken Cup, so they'll be a massive challenge.

"Racing Metro's financial capabilities mean that they will have a star-studded line-up. And Edinburgh, as we know from pre-season games, have Scottish internationals and play a very attractive style of rugby.

"So there are different challenges for all, but Cardiff are probably the favourites for the group."