McGuigan warns of French test

Exeter Chiefs full-back Byron McGuigan has warned his team-mates to expect the unexpected during their European Challenge Cup trip to France this week.

The Devon club, who lead Pool Two, take on La Rochelle tomorrow night as in-form favourites.

The French club were promoted from the Rugby Pro D2 last season after winning an end-of-season play-off.

But, in contrast to Chiefs, who have thrived domestically in the league and cup this term, La Rochelle are currently battling relegation.

However, new signing McGuigan (pictured) expects a strong challenge from their Top 14 hosts at Stade Marcel-Deflandre.

“I think we’re all aware that French teams are all very good at home and it will be no different this week,” said McGuigan. “Looking at La Rochelle’s home form, in the European competition and in their league, they have been doing really well. They are a strong team and it will be a good game over there.

“French teams have a bit of everything. They have a bit of structure, but sometimes no structure, it can just depend on what team turns up on the day. We just know they will be really strong at home, so we have to be ready.”

Chiefs travel in fine spirits after a 27-19 victory over Saracens in the Premiership last weekend - and that success was their sixth consecutive victory, spanning the league, LV= Cup and European competitions.

“The boys have been buzzing over the past few weeks and have done really well – we’ve had some big results,” said McGuigan. “Everyone’s buzzing but it feels every game is another bigger one again, and want the wins to back up what we’ve already done.

“This week, we have to put in a big performance but then coming back here, it will be another big one. Depending on the result this week, the next one will be even bigger.

“I’m very happy here and very pleased to be with a great bunch of boys. Everyone has been playing well and the training has been very good. I feel like I’ve got everything sorted now, so I’m very happy.”