Europe still holds 'romance' for Welsh regions
European rugby returns this weekend with all four Welsh regions chasing the "romance" of knockout places in the Challenge Cup.
All four have a victory under their belt ahead of the final back-to-back games of the pool stage - kicking off on Friday night at Kingsholm.
Cardiff and Scarlets - both quarter-finalists in this competition two seasons ago - are flying high in the United Rugby Championship (URC) and could be forgiven for considering Europe a distraction.
But for Ospreys and Dragons a cup run could yet salvage disappointing seasons that has seen both teams part company with their head coaches.
Teams must finish in the top four of six teams in their respective pools to reach the round of 16 where they would be joined by four teams dropping down from the Champions Cup.
So what are Welsh hopes of qualifying past the pool stage this season?
This weekend's fixtures
Friday 20:00 (GMT) - Gloucester v Scarlets
Saturday 13:00 (GMT) - Perpignan v Cardiff
Saturday 17:30 (GMT) - Ospreys v Newcastle Falcons
Sunday 15:15 (GMT) - Dragons v Pau
Scarlets (Pool 3)
Europe still holds a place in the hearts of Scarlets who stormed to within a game of a first final two years ago.
They avenged one of the club's lowest points in their last outing when they beat Black Lion of Georgia a week after they were denied a win in Bayonne by a late penalty.
But next they face a tough trip to Gloucester before welcoming Vannes for a place in the last 16.
Head coach Dwayne Peel said: "Scarlets have a rich history in European competition so whenever it comes around it is always an exciting time for us.
"We have a real competitive pool in the Challenge Cup, so picking up points is important, particularly away from home.
"We've put our stall out this year to be competitive and we have been. We've lost some narrow games and had some good wins as well so it sets itself up well for us to go away from home and put a performance in that we're proud of."
Cardiff (Pool 1)
Third in the URC, Cardiff are likely to rest players for the trip to Perpignan but will be fuelled at the prospect of the Welsh capital hosting the final in May.
They were close to winning in Lyon where 18-year-old centre Steffan Emmanuel became the club's youngest European player, before a bonus-point win over Cheetahs put them third in the pool.
Josh Adams has already established himself among the competition's leading try-scorers.
But head coach Matt Sherratt believes they still need seven points against Perpignan and Connacht to secure qualification.
"The objective is to get a game in the knockout stages at the Arms Park," he said.
"We're freshening up the squad but that aim still means winning two more games, or at least six or seven points.
"You never know what team Perpignan are going to select but we know the threat they pose in France and the challenge of Connacht after that."
Ospreys (Pool 2)
The only Welsh team to reach the knockouts last season but currently the only region outside qualification places.
They are fifth in pool 2 after their record European defeat in Montpellier that spelt the end for Toby Booth.
Injuries are mounting but Jac Morgan is among the tournament's leaders for turnovers and a home tie against winless Newcastle could galvanise their campaign before travelling to Pau.
Head coach Mark Jones, once a Heineken Cup semi-finalist with Llanelli, said: "Europe has not lost its romance, it's still the pinnacle of competitions and everybody really wants to lift a European trophy.
"It is probably our best chance of getting something out of this season if you look at where we sit in the URC."
Dragons (Pool 2)
Third in their pool after recovering from a narrow home loss to Montpellier with an impressive win on the road at Newcastle.
Full-back Huw Anderson scored a sensational try on his first start while Wales number eight Aaron Wainwright leads the tournament for carries (34).
On Sunday they host Pau, who boast one of the competition's best attacks, just days before the long trip to Johannesburg to take on URC rivals Lions.
Head coach Filo Tiatia is desperate to inspire consistency from his team.
"We can't keep giving 40-minute performances," he said.
"It was a tough game against Scarlets [last match]. The performance documented that we were not at the races in the first half but a different team in the second half."
He added: "Pau have a big depth in their squad, much different to ours, and definitely have a power game that is a real threat."
Key dates
Round of 16: 4-6 April 2025
Quarter-finals: 11-13 April 2025
Semi-finals: 2-4 May 2025
Final: Friday 23 May
