WORLD Cup winners Conrad Smith and Colin Slade could be heading for Rodney Parade after being named in Pau's European Rugby Challenge Cup squad while Castres have also included most of their big guns, writes Chris Kirwan.

It is hoped that the prize for the winners of automatic qualification for 2016/17 Champions Cup and a final in Lyon will tempt the French to take the second tier competition more seriously this season.

Last season the Dragons did the double over Stade Francais who, while still able to name a formidable side that featured the likes of South African ace Morne Steyn and former Australia wing Digby Ioane, left the majority of their frontline players out.

However, the French duo drawn in Pool Two with the Dragons and favourites Sale Sharks appear to be taking things rather more seriously.

Pau have registered New Zealand centre Smith and fly-half Slade, Scotland tighthead Euan Murray, former France centre Damien Traille, Fijian powerhouse wing Marika Vunibaka and ex-France lock Julien Pierre in their European squad.

Castres have a few notable absentees – Scotland lock Richie Gray and France internationals scrum-half Rory Kockott, prop Yannick Forestier and hooker Brice Mach – but they have named Scotland number eight Johnnie Beattie, Samoan speedster David Smith, New Zealand great Sitiveni Sivivatu and France World Cup squad members centre Remi Lamerat and wing Remi Grosso.

Last term Newcastle left their overseas players out when using the tournament to boost their English-qualified player appearances, which carries financial rewards for Aviva Premiership clubs.

However, Sale have named all their regulars including ex-Ireland scrum-half Peter Stringer, big props Brian Mujati and Eifion Lewis-Roberts, influential flanker Daniel Braid and powerful centre Johnny Leota as well as England playmaker Danny Cipriani.

The Dragons don't have the luxury of a big enough squad to leave out any stars and the 41-strong list they registered with the ERC also features 18-year-old backs Barney Nightingale and George Gasson.

On-loan centre Adam Hughes is registered with the Dragons as playing in the Challenge Cup won't make him ineligible for Exeter at the expiry of his three-month deal as his parent club are in the Champions Cup.

Dragons’ Euro fixtures

Sunday, November 15 – Sale, home (kick-off 3.15pm)

Saturday, November 21 – Castres, away (kick-off 4pm)

Saturday, December 12 – Pau, home (kick-off 2.30pm)

Saturday, December 19 – Pau, away (kick-off 7.45pm)

January 14/15/16/17 – Castres, home

January 21/22/23/24 – Sale, away