Regrets still linger as Saints prepare to return to Champions Cup action

The black, green and gold have produced some brilliant performances in the Champions Cup in recent times, making the semi-finals in 2024, reaching the final in 2025 and getting to the quarter-final last year.

They had flown out of the blocks in the last-eight tie last season, carving Bath apart as they made their way into a 21-point lead during the first half.

However, Bath, helped by a late decision that went against Henry Pollock, battled back to claim a dramatic 43-41 victory, setting up a semi-final against Union Bordeaux Bègles in France.

Union Bordeaux Bègles eventually went on to win that match and the tournament, claiming Champions Cup glory for the second season in succession, having defeated Saints in the showpiece in Cardiff a year earlier.

And Dingwall admits there is a feeling of what if about how the previous European run ended as he and his team-mates prepare to host Cardiff in this season's curtain raiser.

When asked how much of a target winning the Champions Cup is for Saints this season, the skipper said: “Well, first, it's incredibly hard to win it because so few teams do it.

"Look at Bordeaux - when they did win it last year they didn't make their play-offs in their league as well, did they? So it's obviously a huge challenge, and something we got close to a couple of years ago.

“We were having a good run last year, but still have a regret of last year in mind.

"It's an incredible competition, and we love it. The reason we love it is because we hold the same outlook on it all the time. It's a chance to play, teams often play, in places you don't normally get to play in big occasions. It is highest level of club rugby you can get to.

"It's all about making new memories, we've been fortunate enough to have a good go at that and make some cool ones in recent times.

“We have the same outlook. No pressure on it, but we want to have a good go at it and enjoy ourselves in that competition."

Saints will host Cardiff and Vodacom Bulls in this season's pool stages, travelling to France to take on Stade Français and Montpellier.

When asked whether he would rather take on teams home and away rather than just once, Dingwall said: "I think the formatting of it has changed obviously, with more teams involved. But I still think when you get to those knockout rounds, it's as prestigious as it's always been. I can't doubt that part of it.

"Obviously, the group stages are slightly different in how they're formatted.

"To have played in the European final was pretty special.

“Obviously, I know we didn't come out with the right result. But that whole experience, that whole run of the competition was incredible.

"It's something I would love to do again.”