Head coach Geordan Murphy says he is looking forward to revisiting some memorable venues when Leicester Tigers kick off a European campaign next season.

Tigers have been drawn against Cardiff Blues, Pau and Calvisano in the pool stages of the European Challenge Cup and all three are well known destinations to the club after previous meetings.

“We’ve met Cardiff a number of times in Europe and also in Anglo-Welsh competition and in pre-season games in recent years,” said Murphy after Wednesday’s draw in Lausanne, Switzerland.

“The Blues are a quality side, they won the Challenge Cup competition recently and they’re making a few useful signings in the summer.”

Tigers went to Pau in each of the club’s opening two seasons in Europe in the 1990s and again in 2001 on the way to winning the European Cup for a first time.

“Going back in history, I remember the club recording a good win in Pau in ’01 – it was one of our first big wins away from home in Europe,” said Murphy, who was a member of the Tigers squad that lifted European silverware in 2001 and ’02.

“The supporters will have some great memories from going there and enjoying the night in town too!

“We’ve been to Calvisano several times too and we’ll look forward to going back there in the new season.”