The 14th Heineken Cup kicks off this Friday, with the competition taking on even more importance as the countdown towards next summer's Lions tour continues.

Leading players from across Britain and Ireland will be coming face to face as they look to advance not only the prospects of their teams but also their own chances of making it into Ian McGeechan’s squad to tour to South Africa in eight months time.

Lions head coach McGeechan has made it clear that he will be keeping an eye on more than just his own club’s progress as begins the process of assessing the form of potential Lions from across the four Home Unions.

“The Heineken Cup will be the first real challenge for the players,” said McGeechan, who will be attempted to lead London Wasps to their third top-European crown.

”You have to think differently in this tournament and I’ll be watching all the games with great interest.

“The final will be another big occasion and a full Murrayfield would be quite special. With the new seeding system it’s a very difficult tournament to call.”

Heineken Cup Round One fixtures

Friday October 10 Munster vs Montauban Perpignan vs Treviso Saturday October 11 Calvisano vs Cardiff Blues Clermont Auvergne vs Sale Sharks Edinburgh vs Leinster Gloucester vs Biarritz Newport-Gwent Dragons vs Glasgow Scarlets vs Harlequins Ulster vs Stade Francais Sunday October 12 Leicester vs Ospreys Toulouse vs Bath Wasps vs Castres