“The exciting thing for us is that we’ve had some great experiences in Europe over the last few years. With La Rochelle this weekend we would have played both of last season’s finalists and they play very different rugby.

“Leinster was a real challenge in an organisational front and La Rochelle have lots of rockstars on the pitch and the way they keep the ball alive is impressive.”

La Rochelle defeated Bordeaux 6-36 in the Top 14 at the weekend, and Skivington says it was a welcome reminder of the step up in class this weekend, but that his players will still take confidence from the fact they have won in France this season.

“La Rochelle dispatched Bordeaux this week so we’re fully aware of the difference but going to France and winning in France is very difficult. That Bordeaux team had some rockstars in as well and the team that went out there fronted up and really played well that day.

“So of course, there’s the technical side of things and what you can learn from playing these teams but there’s also the experience of taking your own game to these clubs and leaving it all out there.

“Not everyone gets to play in these big European knock-out games, and to do it at the best club in Europe at the moment is a massive opportunity to test ourselves against the best.”

La Rochelle away in a European knock-out game? Some of the more experienced players have been here before. In 2017, a backs-to-the-wall performance saw the Cherry & Whites progress in the Challenge Cup. But Skivington knows how much La Rochelle have progressed since that famous night.

“Those boys know the stadium and the area so that’s good. But La Rochelle are a different beast now to what they were back in 2017. They have seriously grown since then but it’s a challenge that we welcome.”

When Gloucester made the journey to Bordeaux in the final round of pool fixtures, a sea of Cherry & Red descended on the city. Skivington is looking forward to seeing and hearing the fans again in La Rochelle.

“Bordeaux was an awesome trip. Even before we took the field there were so many Gloucester supporters out there and they were so loud in the stadium, they were outstanding.

Skivington excited by opportunity to take on the European champions

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