Ulster
Coach: Harry Williams.
Captain: David Humphreys.
European Cup record: Pool stage 1995-96, 96-97, 97-98. Champions - 98-99.
How they qualified: Second in the 1998-99 interprovincial championship.
Key men: Paddy Johns should be an inspiration and rallying point for the pack and it is in this area that Ulster must improve, especially scrummaging. Behind the scrum Ulster will rely on the peerless boot of Simon Mason and direction from captain David Humphreys.
Outlook: Extremely tough group from which it will be difficult to emerge. Bourgoin, for example, are unbeaten in the French Championship this season. Unless Ulster suddenly rediscover last year's form they will not escape the pool stage.
Bourgoin
Coach: Michel Couturas.
Captain: Alexandre Chazalet.
European Cup record: Shield winners 1996-97. Pool stage (Cup), 1997-98. Shield finalists 98-99.
How they qualified: Ranked the third best side after 1998-99 French championship.
Key men: Can call upon four French internationals, one Scot (James McLaren) and a German national team member, Sascha Fischer. The most famous of the French quartet is World Cup squad member, centre Stephane Glas, a superbly balanced runner.
Outlook: May not have the strength in depth of some of the bigger French clubs but Bourgoin have won their last five matches and represent serious contenders to emerge from the group. On current form potential pool winners.
London Wasps
Coach: John Mitchell.
Captain: Mark Weedon.
European Cup record: Pool stage (Cup) 1996-97. Quarter-finalists (Cup) 97-98.
How they qualified: Fifth in Premiership in 98-99 season.
Key men: England's former captain and number eight Lawrence Dallaglio seems to have bounced back from his recent troubles and is the player who sets the tone up front and he will be supported by Lions locks Simon Shaw and Andy Reed. Outlook: Good scrumagging pack, a mercurial out-half in Andy King, Ireland's Rob Henderson in the centre and Scot Kenny Logan to kick the points. Predictable in style but difficult to beat. Minor placings.
Llanelli
Coach: Gareth Jenkins.
Captain: Wayne Proctor.
European Cup record: Quarterfinalists (Cup) 96-97, 98-99. Quarterfinal play-offs (Cup) 97-98.
How they qualified: Welsh Premier League champions 98-99 season.
Key men: Llanelli have 15 internationals, including two Tongans, centre Salesi Finau and Jonathan Koloi. But their outstanding performers are Welsh stars Craig Wyatt and Scott Quinnell. Squad also includes former Ireland under-21 number eight Simon Easterby, a player of the highest quality.
Outlook: Will need to get off to a good start to maintain morale. A team affected by mood swings, but capable of breathtaking rugby. Potential pool winners but brittle enough mentally to also finish last.
