The Bears’ 32-19 win over RC Toulon in the Challenge Cup final in October saw them claim their first European trophy and Morahan says Bristol are looking to build on that success as they approach a first Heineken Champions Cup clash since 2008 when they take on ASM Clermont Auvergne on Saturday.

“I don’t think we’ve been very quiet on what we want to do: we want to achieve more trophies and be one of the best teams in Europe,” the Australian claimed. “I think, to do that, you need to be winning in both competitions, like Exeter [Chiefs] did last year.

“They set the benchmark of what can be done. I think we got a taste for it in terms of the Challenge Cup, making the semi-finals of the Premiership, and then making the final and winning the Challenge Cup.”

The additions of Semi Radrada, Kyle Sinckler, Ben Earl and Max Malins have strengthened the Bristol squad – a fact acknowledged by Morahan.

“I think we saw a glimpse of what they can bring us in that little period post-lockdown and at the back end of last season,” he pointed out. “They’re world-class.”

However, the 30-year-old wing or full-back is fully aware of the threat Bristol will face against Clermont, who have reached the final on three occasions.

“We’re going to have to be really on top of our game,” he stated. “These guys especially have a history of going well in these competitions and they know how to win these games.

“So, it’ll be a challenge for us, but one that we’re confident we’ll do really well in and one that we’re relishing with everything we’ve got.”

Bristol director of rugby Pat Lam is equally eager for their Heineken Champions Cup campaign to get under way and reiterated the club’s desire to compete at the highest level.

“Oh, I’m massively excited,” he admitted. “I think it’s been a long time since Bristol have been part of it.

“It’s in our vision to be a team that consistently, year on year and for ever, contests the Champions Cup.

“These are the sort of games you want, because they grow you as a club, grow you as players and give you really good recognition to be a part of big-time rugby.”

Lam also highlighted the calibre of opposition Bristol will be facing on Saturday, recalling his time coaching a number of the Clermont players with the Barbarians.

“You look at them and they’re going really well in the TOP 14,” he remarked. “[There’s] a lot of world-class players. I coached some of them in the Barbarians, so I know the quality.

“They’ve got to the finals and it’s their big dream to win it. To play against them is a good marker of where we are and how far we’ve come as a club.”

Bristol Bears back Luke Morahan has warned that the English club are looking to assert themselves as one of the best sides in Europe after their Challenge Cup triumph last season.