Winning all that counts for Wasps

The Adams Park outfit were Heineken Cup winners in 2004 and 2007 but missed out on qualification for Europe's top competition after finishing seventh in their domestic league last season.

And with the 2008/09 campaign having ended without any silverware, Wasps are desperate to get back to winning ways.

Wasps were Challenge Cup winners in the season before their first Heineken Cup triumph and Varndell knows that similar success this time out would be a huge boost for everyone at the club.

"Winning the Amlin Challenge Cup can be a springboard," said Varndell, who moved to High Wycombe from Leicester Tigers this summer.

"When a team wins games, they feel confident, they feel happy and they play better. If we win the Amlin Challenge Cup, it's going to make us feel happier and come together more as a team.

"Winning is everything. Whether it's the Amlin Challenge Cup or Heineken Cup, it doesn't matter - a win's a win."

Wasps begin their campaign with a home fixture against big-spending French side Racing-Metro 92 as they look to progress from a group that also includes Racing's fellow countrymen Bayonne and Italian outfit Rugby Rovigo.

Varndell knows Sunday's fixture and the five other pool games that follow between now and January will be far from easy, but he insists the club are setting their sights on nothing short of ultimate success.

Being crowned champions of the continent for the third time next season may be the long-term goal but claiming the Amlin Challenge Cup in its first year under new sponsorship would be the perfect stepping stone to European domination.

"Winning a tournament, whether it be the Heineken Cup or the Amlin Challenge Cup, is a fantastic achievement," added Varndell.

"These teams that we're playing aren't going to roll over and let us win it. It's going to be a tough challenge.

"We've got some fantastic trips away in some great locations but it's about stepping up, winning that trophy and getting Wasps back on top."