Photo: Exeter Rugby Club/Pinnacle Photo Agency

Bayonne first up for the Chiefs

Exeter Chiefs will kick-off their European Rugby Challenge Cup campaign for the 2014/15 season with a trip to Bayonne.

Rob Baxter's side will travel to the Stade Jean Dauger on Saturday, October 18 with an 8pm kick-off.

A week later, the Chiefs will play host to Connacht Rugby at Sandy Park with a 3pm kick-off.

European action resumes in December with back-to-back encounters with La Rochelle, before the group stages are completed in January with a trip to Connacht and a home date with Bayonne.

The dates, venues and kick-off times for Rounds 3 and 4 in both tournaments will be announced in the coming weeks, with further details of the Rounds 5 and 6 fixtures confirmed in December after the completion of Round 4.

Commenting on the fixtures, Baxter said: "When we saw the draw initially we knew it was going to be a fantastic group to be involved with. Starting at Bayonne will be a great test for us, traditionally over the years they've had a strong squad with international names and a few All Blacks in it, so we know it won't be easy going over there.

"I remember when we first got into the Premiership having that first European away game at Bourgoin and the atmosphere that was built amongst the squad was incredible and I think it will be similar again this year.

"We love going to France, we love playing in big fixtures against big sides and hopefully we can put in a good performance as that will open up the whole competition for us."

And whilst Bayonne may be the first test for the Chiefs in Europe, Baxter expects the remainder of the group to be a decent challenge for his squad.

"We are aware it's the second tier competition," he continued. "We've had two great years in the Heineken Cup and we'd love to get back there, so it's going to be very much part of our seasonal goal. How we get back there is down to how we perform in all competitions, so it's very important to us.

"As we always say, we're going to enjoy our European adventure. We know it's a great experience not only for the players and the club, but also our supporters as well and we'll look to enjoy every minute of it."

European Rugby Challenge Cup

Pool Two Fixtures 2014/15

Round 1 - October 18

Connacht Rugby v La Rochelle - The Sportsground, Galway (5pm)
Bayonne v Exeter Chiefs - Stade Jean Dauger (8pm)

Round 2 - October 25

Exeter Chiefs v Connacht Rugby - Sandy Park (3pm)
La Rochelle v Bayonne - Stade Marcel Deflandre (7.30pm)

Round 3 - December 45/6/7

Connacht Rugby v Bayonne - The Sportsground, Galway (TBC)
La Rochelle v Exeter Chiefs - Stade Marcel Deflandre (TBC)

Round 4 - December 11/12/13/14

Bayonne v Connacht Rugby - Stade Jean Dauger (TBC)

Exeter Chiefs v La Rochelle - Sandy Park (TBC)

Round 5 - January 15/16/17/18