BATH’S Semesa Rokoduguni says that he and his teammates will have to channel the depths of their courage when they head to the Stade Mayol to take on the kings of European rugby.

Bath have been tasked with beginning their European Champions Cup campaign with a trip to mercurial French giants Toulon – reigning European champions for a record three seasons in a row – on Sunday.

With Toulon boasting some of the most high-profile names in the sport amidst their ranks, the significance of the challenge at hand is far from lost on winger Rokoduguni.

“All of the teams are really strong in Europe but this is going to be a huge game,” said the 28-year-old.

“Of course, you are nervous when you look at the field and see all of the big names but I think for us, it’s about courage. We have to play like we train, play like we’re trained in Bath and execute well.”

Bath got back to winning ways in the Aviva Premiership last weekend, romping to a 45-14 triumph against winless London Irish at the Madejski Stadium.

The visitors ran in six tries, with Rokoduguni’s kick teeing up Nikola Matawalu to score late on, whilst Rhys Priestland shone on his first start for the club, kicking two conversions and a penalty and crossing the line himself.

Irish scrum-half Brendan McKibbin’s 20th-minute red card for stamping on Henry Thomas was also a major factor but Rokoduguni reckons his team were back to something resembling their best.

“The red card was important but we also had a player (Alafoti Fa’osiliva) off for 10 minutes – the boys made the most of the opportunities,” he said. “The win was thoroughly deserved and it was nice for us to play the way we finished last season.”