GLOUCESTER'S director of rugby David Humphreys was not at all downbeat about the 50-30 defeat by Bath ahead of their home play-off against Connacht for a European Rugby Champions Cup place.

"Playing Connacht will be a huge challenge for us," he said. "When Connacht came to Kingsholm the last time they performed pretty well.

"They are now a completely different team to what they were 18 months ago. In terms of recruitment they have brought in some very good players – and Robbie Henshaw has come through as a world-class player.

"We're under no illusions as to the challenge that lies ahead. It's one we are looking forward to and it gives us a chance to get the club back into Europe next season."

On the performance against Bath, he said: "The positives definitely outweighed the negatives today. We conceded 50 points but at the same time our younger players will benefit from the experience of playing here in such an intimidating venue.

"That gives us a lot of hope – not just looking ahead to the next few weeks and months, but beyond that. We've just got to develop these young players and give them the opportunity to get out and show what they can do, not just in training but in a match situation."