West says success in Europe is ‘the next step’ for Saints

SO CLOSE - Saints were beaten in the 2011 European Cup Final, and coach Dorian West would love the team to go one better this season

Last season, a first Premiership title was brought to Franklin’s Gardens, along with the Challenge Cup crown.

And with Saints currently top of the league as they head into Europe, hopes are high for another trophy-laden campaign.

But West knows the club will now be measured by the highest standards and feels doing well in the Champions Cup is essential.

“The league is our bread and butter and that’s where we want to be at our best, week in, week out,” said the forwards coach ahead of Saturday’s Pool 5 opener at Racing Metro.

“We want to be at the top end challenging, but the European Cup is the next step.

“It’s a stage where I personally feel now we need to go and do well just to show that we are progressing, but you’re playing against really good sides and it’s going to be tough.

“We know what Racing have got to offer, it’s going to be a big test but we’ve been going well in the league and we’re full of confidence.”