The Johannesburg-based side were drawn in Pool 2 on Wednesday, pitting them against Montpellier Hérault Rugby, Newcastle Falcons, USAP, Ospreys and Benetton Rugby.

“It is really, really fascinating stuff,” he told the club website. “Benetton, we all know are laden full of Italian stars. Any day, any time, they can beat you.

“I think post World Cup 2023 they are going to be better off from that experience. We all know they are a tough team. Ospreys are also full of Welsh stars.

“Newcastle Falcons are known as a traditional, tough English team. If you look at some of their highlights throughout the season, they’ve got exceptional outside backs with exceptional pace.

“If you look at Montpellier, they are one of the traditional European superstars with a rich history full of South African influence.

“That will be a great match whether we play them here or there. They have X-factor all over with a mega pack of forwards.

“And it’s the same with Perpignan. The size of their pack is humongous with X-factor all over the show in the backline.”

Van Rooyen went on to underline the calibre of player Emirates Lions will be taking on as they look to improve on a quarter-final in their maiden EPCR season last term.

“Every single team there wants to play an attractive, attacking brand of rugby,” he added. “At the time of the year that we are going to play, there will be international 10s, nines and 15s who are going to play against you all over.

“The kicking game is going to be huge. It is a good, attractive, tough, forward set-piece dominant group. Skill and pace all over the show.

“It doesn’t matter where you’re going to play, it’s going to be great and there are going to be new stadiums to explore.”

Emirates Lions face a multitude of different challenges in the 2023/24 EPCR Challenge Cup pool stage, according to head coach Ivan van Rooyen.