The big-spending Basque club suspended star signings Mike Phillips and Cedric Heymans for disciplinary reasons and fared little better on the pitch amid four defeats in a row in Top 14.

However successive wins, including victory at local rivals Biarritz Olympique, as well the remarkable scoring feat of fly-half Benjamin Boyet, who kicked a record 32 points against Agen, have offered more than just a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel.

So Rugby Mogliano will be straight in at the deep end at Stade Jean Dauger for what is their first ever European fixture.

The small club that lives in the shadow of Benetton Treviso finally gets their chance to shine.

Former Italy lock Enrico Pavanello, a veteran of ten Heineken Cup campaigns with their more prestigious neighbours, will provide much-needed experience.