“Toulon is a challenge we’re looking forward to,” says Cunningham

“Toulon is a challenge we’re looking forward to,” says Cunningham

The Scarlets head to the South of France this weekend to take on three times European champions Toulon in the first of the back-to-back European Rugby Champions Cup clashes.

Both Scarlets and Toulon secured one win apiece in the opening rounds with both teams falling short against reigning champions Saracens.

Saracens head the group with nine points whilst Toulon and Scarlets are in second and third place, respectively, joint on four points.

Round three will see Scarlets take on former champions RC Toulon at their notorious Stade Mayol home with the pool very much still wide open.

Scarlets Set Piece Coach Ioan Cunningham says that the challenge is very much one that the region is looking forward to as they come off the back of seven victories on the bounce in the GUINNESS PRO12.

Speaking earlier this week he said; “We’re still in the group. This weekend will be a huge challenge but it’s one we’re looking forward to and it’s definitely one that whets the appetite!

“There’s always a fantastic atmosphere in Toulon, it’s an opportunity for players to go out there to play against international and very experienced players. It’s something we’re looking forward to. We will go out there with confidence, throw everything at it and hopefully return with something from the challenge.”

After a disappointing start to the season in the GUINNESS PRO12 Scarlets have secured seven victories from seven in the championship with a try-bonus in four of the last five fixtures.

Cunningham went on to say; “We’ve spoken as a squad about keeping the momentum from the PRO12 going. Whoever wears the shirt this weekend has the responsibility of keeping the form going, that’s the pressure we put on each other.

“We have enough experience in the squad with experienced players returning. The atmosphere won’t overawe them; we have to concentrate on the task ahead of us.”