GLOUCESTER Director of Rugby David Humphreys is excited by the club’s pool draw for their defence of the European Challenge Cup next season.

The draw was made in Switzerland on Wednesday, and the Cherry and Whites, who recorded their first major silverware since 2011 with a memorable victory over Edinburgh Rugby in May, face trips to France, Italy and a short journey up the M5 when the matches begin after the Rugby World Cup.

 Humphreys oversaw a superb unbeaten record in the tournament last season after six pool stage wins and knock-out triumphs over Connacht and Exeter Chiefs on the way to the final.

The draw has been pretty favourable to Gloucester and they could have had far worse than playing French outfit La Rochelle, Italian minnows Zebre and an M5 derby with near neighbours Worcester Warriors.
 
The Gloucester boss said: “First of all with La Rochelle. As we have learned over the last few years, going to France is never easy, and the Stade Marcel Deflandre is renowned for a great, hostile atmosphere, but it is a great place to play, so our players will relish that.
 
"We learned a lot about our squad with the two trips to Oyonnax and Brive last season, and we will be tested again this year against a La Rochelle team that have claimed some impressive scalps in their second season in the Top 14 after promotion.
 
"We also know all about Zebre Rugby, who have recruited well, and they are definitely an improving team, and we enjoyed our trip to Parma in December.
 
"Our supporters are fantastic in the way that they embrace the draw and I have no doubt are already looking at travel plans for the pool stages, and it is that support that makes a real difference when we are playing in Europe.
 
"With Worcester returning to the Premiership, it will be an exciting pair of games again, amongst a host of big games for us next season.
 
"We know that, as winners of last year's tournament, teams will be out to beat us, but we are massively proud of the way we performed in last year's tournament and we are excited to defend our crown!”