TOBY Booth believes Bath need only look at the progress of Premiership champions Harlequins for an insight into what Amlin Challenge Cup success can lead to.

Quins’ 2010-11 triumph in Europe’s second-tier competition – featuring victories over European powerhouses Munster and Stade Francais on route – provided a springboard for them to go on and claim domestic supremacy last season.

And Booth insists there is no danger of Bath viewing the tournament as a distraction, especially against a Bucharest side tomorrow that will be packed with Romanian internationals.

“It’s important and it’s an opportunity for us to get some positive results and gain confidence and put our best foot forward and gain some silverware,’’ he said.

“We won’t be taking it lightly and the fact we’re going away two weeks in a row makes it even harder. We’re aware of the challenges in front of us.

“It’s a revamped Bucharest. It’s actually Romania A so the calibre of player is very much improved.

“They are going to be very physical and have played together a lot. We’re expecting a very stiff challenge.

“It’s certainly significant for us as a group in terms of where we are and giving people opportunities.

“(Harlequins had) great results, a young team, got self-belief and all of a sudden, look what happens. Couple the importance of that along with shrewd recruitment and a proven squad you can really improve significantly quite quickly.’’

More build-up to and news from this weekend’s game in Bucharest: wiltshiretimes.co.uk/sport