GWENT coach Mike Ruddock is bouyant about his new team's draw in next season's Heineken Cup despite being in a group of death.

Ruddock declared today: 'This is the best thing that could have happened.'

Yesterday, his side were drawn against either Stade Francais or Toulouse, who fight out the French Championship final on Saturday, Zurich Premiership giants Leicester and Irish outfit Ulster.

Should Toulouse win the French Championship, it will mean Gwent facing the reigning champions plus two other former Cup winners.

But former Ebbw Vale coach Ruddock added: "It's very exciting and, to be honest, I think it was exactly what we needed.

"If the people of Gwent want to watch top-quality, world-class rugby, then they won't have to go very far when the European games come around.

"We will rise to the challenge and hopefully it will capture their imagination and we will be supported when these teams visit us.

"Each team has a fine tradition of rugby and we'll have to do our homework very closely." And Ruddock feels that his time at Irish side Leinster should stand him in good stead when Europe's showpiece tournament begins next season.

"I've coached teams against all of these sides before," said Ruddock.

"Leicester have shown this year that they are beatable but I'm sure they'll get some new faces in the summer and will be back to their best.

"But my record with Leinster against them is pretty good, I've beaten them three times out of four so hopefully I can carry that on with Gwent next season.

"Alan Solomons has shown his quality at Ulster but I've had good experience of playing them and I know the quality of their players and we'll be fully prepared for that one.

"And whichever of the French sides we get will be a tough game, but again I've been involved with matches against Stade Francais and I know all about them."

Elsewhere, Neath-Swansea play Leeds, Edinburgh and the runner-up from Stade Francais/Toulouse.

Cardiff will play Biarritz, Sale and Ruddock's former side Leinster. Llanelli will take on Agen, Northampton and Scottish Borders.