SALE Sharks have been drawn against former European giants Toulouse, Cardiff Blues and Lyon in Pool Two of the European Rugby Challenge Cup.

The Sharks have never played Lyon in any competition, so it will be a first visit to the Stade de Gerland, while Steve Diamond’s men will make a return visit to the BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park, having played them previously in Europe six times, winning three of those games, including a famous comeback victory in 2012 at the AJ Bell Stadium.

Toulouse will travel to the AJ Bell Stadium for the first time, and have previously played the Sharks on two occasions in 2009/10, losing both games.

The tournament kicks off in October with the final in Bilbao next May.

Director of rugby Diamond said: “When I first saw the draw, I thought it was the Champions Cup draw.

"We’ve been drawn against some great teams and I’m really looking forward to the challenge of taking them on."