HEAD coach Andy Keast could not hide his delight at Worcester's mouth-watering Euro draw with Brive.

The National One champions were yesterday paired with the former Heineken Cup winners in round one of the European Challenge Cup.

And Keast -- who three years ago won with his Harlequins side at Brive's Parc Municipal des Sports -- believes the two games with the French side will be a significant test for his Premiership new-boys as they prepare for their first foray into Europe.

"In Brive, we are talking about a club who have a great history and are now on the up again," said Keast. "It couldn't have been a harder draw for us but it's something we are relishing.

"It's a massive challenge for Worcester but it shows what has been achieved at the club because we are now playing in Europe against a club with a rich pedigree of European success.

"It's the tie of the round but we're certainly not frightened by the challenge and I know all the Worcester players are excited about the draw.

"Brive have had a great season in the French Championship, reaching the play-offs and making the semi-finals of the Sud Radio Challenge Cup. I remember taking Quins to Brive in 2001 and the noise from the home crowd was incredible. They are so passionate there and it was quite intimidating.

"That will be a great experience for our players and I think will stand us in good stead for our first season in the Premiership."

Worcester will play host to Brive on October 23 at Sixways before travelling to France a week later for the second leg.

Brive, the top seed from France, will have the former French fly half Alain Penaud in their ranks. The veteran outside half captained them to their Heineken Cup glory in 1997 when they beat Leicester Tigers 28-9 at Cardiff.

"It's great to be up against an English team straight away," he said. "It's always enjoyable to play against the British and Irish sides - their success in Europe speaks for itself."

Penaud is also impressed by Worcester's recruitment and believes French winger Thomas Lombard, who moved to Sixways this summer from Stade Francais, could be a handful in the tie.

"I know Thomas has gone to Worcester," added Penaud. "It is a very good signing for them. He is an excellent player and a wonderful person off the pitch too. It will be good to meet up with him again."