Before this season, the Red Bulls had managed only two wins from their previous 12 games in Europe, all in the Challenge Cup, while last season they were the only club not to pick up a point in either European competition.
But hard-earned victories over Lyon, Johannesburg Lions and Perpignan have set up their crack at Ronan O’Gara’s side.
It will be the most significant fixture the club has had since the takeover by the energy drinks company last summer – and the type that the new owners would have imagined when getting involved.
Ex-England scrum-half Danny Care believes there is no reason why the north east club cannot claim a significant scalp.
“It’s wicked for the Newcastle, for the fans, the club,” he told BBC’s Rugby Union Weekly podcast. “We said what a run could do in that competition.
“If La Rochelle are anything like they were (against Harlequins), Newcastle could easily beat them at home.
“Will they send all their big dogs over? I’m not even sure they will.”
