If Europe has previously been a tonic for the Welsh regions, it could prove a lifeline this time around.

Cardiff are the sole Welsh side in the Champions Cup while Dragons and Ospreys join last season's semi-finalists Scarlets in the Challenge Cup.

But with smaller squads following drastic budget cuts, what are the chances of a repeat in 2023-24?

Former Wales scrum-half Andy Moore played in the first European Heineken Cup Final in 1996 when Toulouse edged Cardiff, who meet on the opening weekend, in extra time.

He said: "The form of all four regions [in the United Rugby Championship] has not been great. Ospreys are the top Welsh side but are only 11th. But that's what we probably expected with all the financial cuts.

"But Europe offers an opportunity for the regions to focus on something different and find a new impetus.

"It will be all about performances, perhaps more than result. It's a step-up in quality and intensity, you're putting yourself up against the very best in Europe so you see where, in reality, you stand."

This year, the Champions and Challenge Cup competitions return to a multi-pool format.

The 24 teams are split into four pools of six, with the top four progressing to the knock-out stages leading to the finals on 24 and 25 May at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Cardiff

Cardiff qualified for the Champions Cup as Welsh Shield winners in the United Rugby Championship (URC) but, sometimes, you should be careful what you wish for.

A mass of exodus of players in the summer from Wales means Cardiff's squad looks desperately light to take on the best from England and France.

Cardiff kick off against French champions Toulouse, then host Bath and Harlequins, second and third in England respectively, before taking on current Top 14 leaders Racing 92 in Paris.

Josh Adams is back, Taulupe Faletau could return for the latter stages but Ellis Jenkins is banned for the opening two games.

Head coach Matt Sherrat said: "We've been in the Challenge Cup a few times but in the Champions Cup you're playing the best teams.

"We go to Racing and Toulouse, two of the best stadiums and support I've been to. Racing is a brilliant place to go, it's like a nightclub with a rugby pitch in the middle.

"We'll go without fear, firing some shots, enjoying the experience, but going to be competitive too. We want our young players to have another, different experience.

"Then our home games against Bath and Harlequins are the type of games Cardiff teams have traditionally got right up for so I'm looking forward to those games."

Dragons

Dragons prop up the URC with just one win from seven games but enjoyed success in the Challenge Cup last season and could catch their opponents with minds elsewhere.

With Christmas derbies fast approaching, Europe may be a chance to rest aching bodies, rotate the squad and blood young talent.

French opponents Oyonnax, who have just returned to the Top 14, and Pau, who Dragons beat in France last season, may regard the competition similarly, as might Sharks and Zebre, who occupy the two places above Dragons in the URC.

Taine Basham misses the start through suspension, Ben Carter is out injured but the form of wings Ashton Hewitt and Rio Dyer and young centre Aneurin Owen is encouraging.

"It's a fresh competition to get enthused about," said assistant coach and former Gloucester and Perpignan flanker Luke Narraway.

"It gives us the opportunity to reset but we want to try and get to knockout rugby again.

"There are no easy games and we don't have the luxury of having 50 players in a squad, so we need to develop your youngsters well."

Ospreys

Ospreys were the surprise package in Europe last season, beating English champions Leicester and claiming back-to-back wins over French champions Montpellier, who they face again this month.

They are the leading Welsh team this season in the URC and will fancy a crack at the Challenge Cup title.

Toby Booth's side meet familiar foes in Benetton and Lions either side of facing the two teams bottom of the Top 14, Montpellier and Perpignan.

"The format of the competition means you have to try and get up and running as quickly as you can," he said.

"The flipside is that there are fewer games to try and get to the knockout stages but we did that last year in the Champions Cup against all odds.

"We have a different group, it's a different opportunity but the same attitude. Let's roll the dice and see where it can get us. We'll start the competition with a strong team and see where it can take us."

Scarlets

Europe was Dwayne Peel's salvation last season.

Having won just one of his first nine games in charge, the Challenge Cup rejuvenated his players and brought the best out of Scarlets.

Victories over Bayonne, Cheetahs, Brive and Clermont Auvergne took them to a semi-final that rescued an otherwise disappointing league campaign.

Similar to last season, they have won just two of their opening seven games, both against Cardiff, but are hoping Europe provides a welcome break.

Scarlets head to France twice, starting with Castres and a rematch with Clermont, but will look for home wins against Edinburgh and tournament newcomers Black Lion from Georgia.

Sam Costellow is out until the New Year but in Ioan Lloyd they may have unearthed Wales' Six Nations fly-half.

Defence coach Gareth Williams said: "It has been a tough start to the season but Europe was a great bounce for us last year and we really enjoyed that run.

"The squad is being massively stretched this year, injuries are going to be a factor and we have to look at the squad, but we are committed to winning any game we play."

Key Dates

Round 1 - 8/9/10 December

Round 2 - 15/16/17 December

Round 3 - 12/13/14 January

Round 4 - 19/20/21 January

Last 16 - 5/6/7 April

Quarter-finals - 12/13/14 April

Semi-finals - 3/4/5 May

Finals - 24/25 May