Where to next season?

[Marlovian]

It's looking a possibility that we will be in the Challenge Cup next season which opens up a range of travel options, so where do people fancy going?

I quite like the idea of Bayonne myself (presuming they get promoted). Alternatively a repeat trip to Toulon would be welcome. I think I'll give the Continental Shield teams a miss but the winner of the Italian Top 12 might be interesting if they qualify....

[NellyWellyWaspy]

Too much like counting chickens there. I am far from convinced Top 6 is going to happen.

[jamestaylor002]

I don't think we can really guarantee a top 6 finish at this rate, I'd be seeing any points gained now as a means to securing top-flight rugby.
Having said that, a top 6 finish would be lovely if it happens.

[Hymenoptera]

Isnt he saying outside top 6? Challenge Cup!!

[Neils]

Challenge Cup is not Top 6 but everything above relegation.

I must admit (I said it on another thread) the Challenge Cup destinations certainly appeal (except perhaps Russia and Romania). Had some good trips in the past in the lesser cup! Bit sick of Toulouse & Dublin. Also we might just get to the final if our team building is successful and it is Marseilles next year at the end of May.

[jamestaylor002]

Challenge Cup is not Top 6 but everything above relegation.

I must admit (I said it on another thread) the Challenge Cup destinations certainly appeal (except perhaps Russia and Romania). Had some good trips in the past in the lesser cup! Bit sick of Toulouse & Dublin. Also we might just get to the final if our team building is successful and it is Marseilles next year at the end of May.

I stand corrected 

[NellyWellyWaspy]

Challenge Cup is not Top 6 but everything above relegation.

I must admit (I said it on another thread) the Challenge Cup destinations certainly appeal (except perhaps Russia and Romania). Had some good trips in the past in the lesser cup! Bit sick of Toulouse & Dublin. Also we might just get to the final if our team building is successful and it is Marseilles next year at the end of May.

Romania is a gorgeous country, with truly (in the main) very nice people. As with anywhere, there are bad apples ....

[Trevs Big Tackle]

Not the best place to get some winter sun though.

[BlackCountryWasp]

I've wanted us to get a Welsh region in Europe for ages and wouldn't mind a trip to Stade Francais. If we end up in the Challenge Cup then it's definitely a tournament to target next season. Trip to Russia would be interesting but don't think her ladyship would be too keen!

Agree with you NWW about Romania, lovely country.

[Neils]

Challenge Cup is not Top 6 but everything above relegation.

I must admit (I said it on another thread) the Challenge Cup destinations certainly appeal (except perhaps Russia and Romania). Had some good trips in the past in the lesser cup! Bit sick of Toulouse & Dublin. Also we might just get to the final if our team building is successful and it is Marseilles next year at the end of May.

Romania is a gorgeous country, with truly (in the main) very nice people. As with anywhere, there are bad apples ....

Totally agree BUT the fixtures tend to be in the depth of winter with their teams being penalised if their frozen pitch isn't clear. Not my ideal rugby watching weather (although have watched the boys in zero degrees Grenoble but the hot wine helped there!).

[welsh wasp]

Am I right in remembering we won the Challenge Cup beating Bath when Tom Voyce played for them and had already agreed to join us. And the next season we won the Heineken Cup.

[W2APS]

Yup. We gave them Martyn Wood the scrum half in return.

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[Dgwasp]

Other than top 2, and probably top 4, I believe we could finish in any position going come the end of the season.  We've struggled during the 6N period and haven't been overly convincing all season but will have a stronger squad for the remaining fixtures.  I think where we are now is most likely given the run in.  If that is the case then Challenge Cup it is and of course I'll be behind the team as much as ever. We haven't been able to compete in the champions cup this year, so a year out is probably not a bad thing.  Likewise we seem to have landed very similar group placements every year and it wasn't as exciting a competition for me this year.

This has been one bad year following progressively improving years.  We are in a competitive league and have slid back in performance slightly as a lot of teams below have picked up.  I'm sure that we can improve and use next year as a spring board to building a side better than we've been enjoying the last 2-3 years.