Fate has decreed that former Scottish international Tony Stanger faces the wrath of the community in which he grew up on the opening weekend of the European Cup. The 31-year-old quit Scotland for France during the summer, leaving the Edinburgh Reivers for Grenoble.

Stanger had just finished a four-year degree, and the 52-time capped Scotland star admitted: "I wanted to leave the comfort zone of Scottish rugby. Week in week out there is a higher standard of rugby in France."

He had not bargained for such a speedy return to his rugby origins, but, ironically enough, Grenoble were drawn to play Reivers in the opening match of Pool F.

"I am delighted to be going home," Stanger laughed, "but I am expecting a few choice words."

The match takes place in Hawick, just 10 miles from Stanger's birth place. His desire to play at a higher level has already seen him play against Toulouse and Stade Francais in the French championship: he may find this match just that little bit more stressful.