Hello!

Hope you've all had a good week. It’s disappointing to be here once again on the back of a defeat but looking forward to the next challenge that lies ahead.

We returned from Leicester last week disappointed as I explained but we knew we had to refocus our efforts on the next job at hand – the current European champions were coming to Parc y Scarlets.

We have a proud record at home, we haven’t lost in the PRO12 since Boxing Day 2013 and we were unbeaten at home in the European Rugby Champions Cup this season too.

We were all up for the game on Saturday against Toulon, but we also knew that it was going to be a big challenge for us as we faced them still without a number of players in key positions through injuries.

On top of the injuries we’ve been carrying over the last few weeks we also went into the game on Saturday against Jake Ball and Liam Williams.

After the heavy rain on Friday it was as if Toulon had packed the South of France sunshine in their cases because Saturday was a glorious day in Llanelli. A dry but cold day for us to pit ourselves against one of the very best – if not the best – sides in Europe.

Toulon went ahead with a converted try after only four minutes of the first half. Man mountain Bastareaud crossed the line with Toulon’s only Welshman Leigh Halfpenny converting.

Despite them going up 19-3 at half time we were still positive come half time. There was plenty of fight still in us and it was pleasing to go out there in the second half and stop much of their attacking play. They only managed seven points in the second half.

We’re out of the competition now for the remainder of the season but whilst the Six Nations takes centre stage the Scarlets will be up against some big oppositions in the shape of Connacht, Munster and Leinster as we look to move into the top six. That top six spot is so important for us to ensure we’re back in the top-flight of European rugby next season.

On a personal note it was a massive honour and a privilege to play my 50th game for a special club alongside Rhys Priestland and Kristian Phillips who made their 150th and 50th appearances.

I’ve done my first couple of days training with Wales at the Vale. It’s a new environment and a new challenge for me but I’ll be taking as much out of it as I can. If an opportunity comes my way to pull on the Welsh jersey I will grab it with both hands. I’d like to thank everyone for the messages I’ve received over the last few weeks, it’s been great.

All the best for another week, Rob