Dax resume their European Challenge Cup adventure on Friday night with coach Thomas Lievremont relishing the visit of tournament veterans Connacht Rugby to Stade Maurice Boyau for their Round 1 showdown.
"It's a great pleasure to be back in Europe this season," said the former French back row forward. "There was a point last season when we didn't expect to be here so we're going to make the most of this opportunity.
"I was lucky enough to play in the Heineken Cup during my career and it was always a privilege to play against the likes of Munster and Leicester but to take my team into the European Challenge Cup last year was also a great pleasure.
"Although the teams we played were perhaps not of the quality or fame of Heineken Cup sides, there is a great spirit in this tournament and it's a very valuable experience for the players of all the teams who participate.
"I've not seen Connacht play at all. I know that they are one of the veterans of this tournament and, being Irish, I'm sure they will be a very well prepared and physical team.
"They have some very experienced players in their squad and will no doubt be coming to Dax looking for a win so we are expecting a tough match.
"We have recruited well over the summer and strengthened our squad in most positions so I feel we are in a much stronger position to play well in Europe this year.
"The loss of my brother Marc at the start of last season to the national cause was a big blow to the club and to the team but we rallied well and this season has seen us make a good start to the campaign.
"I think I have made the transition from player to coach fairly successfully - although you would have to ask the players if you really want to know how I'm doing.
"We had a fantastic win against my old club Biarritz Olympique a couple of weeks ago. There is nothing personal in it and there is certainly no sense of revenge, but it was a very important win for us and, along with our victory over Bayonne last weekend in another local derby, they have seen us safely out of the relegation zone.
"That takes the pressure off us and will allow us to concentrate on our European match against Connacht this Friday."
