Leinster head coach Leo Cullen believes that it is a very tough ask for his side to go to France and win against Ronan O'Gara's La Rochelle in the semi-finals of the Champions Cup.
Cullen's side enjoyed a remarkable victory at champions Exeter on Saturday and now must beat the exciting French side to reach this year's final.
La Rochelle progressed to the semis at the weekend thanks to a dominating display against Sale, and former Munster and Ireland out-half, O'Gara, is receiving plenty of plaudits about the style and substance of the west coast outfit.
"Their win on Saturday against a very good Sale side was impressive and we have a big three weeks of preparation ahead of us now," said Cullen.
"Obviously Ronan [O'Gara] and Jono [Gibbes], two men we know very well, have been building a great side there and it will be a huge challenge going there and winning in France.
"But this is where we want to be, competing against the very best sides in Europe and we very much look forward to the challenge of the coming three weeks and building towards that game."
The other semi-final is an all-France affair as Toulouse face Bordeaux Begles at Stade Ernest Wallon.
The matches will be played on the weekend of 30 April and 2 May with the exact dates to be confirmed soon.
Ulster will travel to Welford Road to face Leicester Tigers on the weekend in the Challenge Cup semi-finals.
Meanwhile Leinster have confirmed the re-signing of Nick McCarthy.
The 26-year-old scrumhalf came through the Leinster academy and scored four tries in 36 appearances for Leinster before signing with Munster ahead of the 2019/20 season.
Cullen said: "Nick is a player we know very well. We know the qualities that he brings as a player but also as a person and the additional experience he now has from two years in another environment is an added advantage.
"We look forward to him joining us for pre-season and welcoming him back to UCD."
Champions Cup draw:
La Rochelle v Leinster Rugby, Stade Marcel Deflandre
Toulouse v Bordeaux-Bègles, Stade Ernest Wallon
Challenge Cup draw:
Leicester Tigers v Ulster Rugby, Welford Road
Bath Rugby v Montpellier, The Rec
