The three-time Challenge Cup winners return to the top table of European rugby after reaching the Challenge Cup semi-finals last season, when they were beaten by eventual winners ASM Clermont Auvergne.

“We can’t wait to get started,” said the 33-year-old former England flanker. “For the last couple of seasons, we bounced into it, but before that we’d been out of the competition for some time.

“It’s where you want to be as a player, to test yourself against the best players out there, the best teams out there, going to some incredible stadiums - like ASM Clermont Auvergne’s Stade Marcel-Michelin, which is one of the best stadiums in world rugby, especially club rugby.

“So, we’re very honoured and we can’t wait to get involved.”

Harlequins have a tough task to reach the knockout stages, having been drawn in Pool 3 against Bath Rugby, Ulster Rugby and Clermont, whom they face on Saturday at 17:30 GMT, live on BT Sport and beIN SPORTS.

“With this competition, if you have a bad first couple of rounds, it could be a long way back for you and it’s then very tough for you to get out of the group,” Robshaw added. “So, for us, we want to hit the ground running - Clermont away, Bath at home - and then go from there.”

Harlequins captain Chris Robshaw is “honoured” to be competing in the Heineken Champions Cup again this season after a one-year absence.