Scarlets rekindle love affair with Europe's elite

European Champions Cup: Scarlets v Bristol Bears

Venue: Parc y Scarlets Date: Saturday, 6 December Kick-off: 20:00 GMT

Coverage: Commentary on BBC Sport online & Radio 5 Live Extra 2, plus live text updates and report; live on S4C and iPlayer

Head coach Dwayne Peel says he looks forward to rekindling Scarlets' "strong tradition" of competing in Europe's top competition.

Scarlets are Wales' only Champions Cup representative this season and kick off their campaign against a Bristol Bears side featuring Louis Rees-Zammit on Saturday.

Llanelli reached the semi-finals in 2000 and 2002, with Scarlets achieving the feat in 2007 and again in 2018 after a memorable win against La Rochelle in front of a record home crowd.

But for Peel, the 2007 campaign was among his greatest rugby memories where Scarlets twice toppled French giants Toulouse.

"It was probably my favourite European adventure," said Peel.

"I was involved in some great occasions and probably the biggest disappointment in my career is not being able to tide one of those over to make a European final. We challenged hard for a number of years."

After a late surge in the United Rugby Championship (URC) last season, Scarlets made the play-offs to secure their place in the Champions Cup.

Peel says their return to the top flight is "awesome", especially after a three-year absence.

"It's a privilege to be playing in this competition," said Peel.

"We worked hard to get here last season and to be part of the Champions Cup again is obviously great for everyone, the players, staff and fans.

"It's the top tier of European rugby, there are some fantastic names in the hat, it's great to be part of that.

"We've got a strong tradition in this competition."

That is a sentiment reflected in all the photos of big European nights on the walls around Parc y Scarlets.

Scarlets could have been dealt a kinder draw on their return to Europe's elite.

They are in Pool 4 along with reigning champions Bordeaux-Begles who boast French stars such as 2025 Six Nations player of the tournament Louis Bielle-Biarrey and try-scoring machine Damian Penaud.

Last year's beaten finalists Northampton Saints are also in the pool, along with French Top 14 side Pau and Saturday's opponents Bristol.

But Peel said teams must "take what you're given".

"If you look at all the pools, they're all pretty difficult, it's about momentum," Peel said. "Home ties are important obviously in any European competition and it starts here on Saturday."

Peel added that the Anglo-Welsh rivalry adds to the occasion.

"Being involved in big European games against English opposition always adds a bit of spice," he said.

"We were lucky to go to Gloucester last year [in the Challenge Cup] with a lot of fans and likewise I hope Bristol bring a lot of fans here because it creates that atmosphere and rivalry.

"Bristol's DNA is to run the ball and it's about us imprinting ourselves on them as well. It's going to be a good contest, I'm sure."

Peel makes three changes to the XV that beat Glasgow 23-0 last weekend with Wales internationals Tom Rogers, Johnny Williams and Ellis Mee coming into the back line.

Scarlets are without full-back Blair Murray, who started all four of Wales' autumn internationals, because of a knock. Back-row forward Taine Plumtree misses out with a rib injury suffered against South Africa.

Joe Hawkins and Joe Roberts have to be content with places on the bench after featuring against the Springboks last weekend.

Bristol, fresh from thrashing Northampton 46-12 in the Prem, include Wales wing Rees-Zammit in their XV with Wales Under-20 international Aidan Boshoff poised for a European debut off the bench.

Scarlets: J Davies; Rogers, James, J Williams, Mee; Costelow, G Davies; Mathias, Elias, Holz, Lousi, Ball, Douglas, Macleod (capt), Anderson.

Replacements: Van der Merwe, S O'Connor, H Thomas, Taylor, Davis, Blacker, Hawkins, J Roberts.

Bristol: Jordan, Rees-Zammit, Van Rensburg, J Williams, Ravouvou; Sam Worsley, Marmion; Ellis Genge, Oghre, Lahiff, Rubiolo, Batley, Grondona, Harding (capt), Mata.

Replacements: Thacker, Woolmore, Chawatama, Owen, Grondona, Wolstenholme, Boshoff, Carrington.

Referee: Gianluca Gnecchi (Italy)

Assistant referees: Filippo Russo & Franco Rosella (Italy)

TMO: Stefano Roscini (Italy)