JOSH Bassett is excited to play in the “best club competition in the world” when Wasps take on Munster in the European Rugby Champions Cup this weekend.
Wasps open their European campaign against the Irish side at the Coventry Building Society Arena on Sunday despite Munster’s squad being ravaged by COVID-19 issues.
The province are set to hand several academy players their first-team debuts having added 22 players to their squad in order to fulfil the fixture.
And Bassett is excited by the challenge posed by the two-time European champions despite the ongoing crisis at Munster.
Bassett said: “They’re dealing with their situation and handling it how they can – they’ve got internationals throughout and quality in their squad.
“Munster thrive on Champions Cup games they have done fantastic things over recent years – we’re excited about this challenge and to play Champions Cup rugby.
“It’s the best club competition in the world for me, it’s exciting playing against all these teams across Europe.
“Every game is going to be tough, we’re excited about what is in front of us.”
For Wasps, the game represents a chance to break away from their domestic troubles having lost their last five matches in the Gallagher Premiership and Premiership Rugby Cup.
Bassett added: “It’s tough, we haven’t got the results we wanted in the last few weeks – we’ve played some attacking rugby we just need to tighten a few things up.
“We’re looking to improve on areas that we think we can do better – we’ve shown glimpses of really good stuff and going into the Champions Cup that needs to be a full 80 minutes.
“I’m excited about these challenges – it was something I really enjoyed, getting to see the game in a different position, it’s about learning, developing and improving, that’s all I want to do.
“We’ve got four points from the last two games, but we’re excited about going into a new competition.”
And despite the situation at Munster – Bassett is anticipating a tough match and does not feel the Irish club will have any weak points in their side.
He said: “Champions Cup rugby takes a full year to qualify for – you want to be in these competitions and play these games – then you realise it’s out of your control.
“The main priority is that all the players and staff that have tested positive in the Munster camp are healthy – we’ve just got to prepare as well as we can for the game.
“It’s tough to say that there will be any weak points in a Munster team that are playing in the Champions Cup – I don’t think there are any weak points, it’s a strong team.
“Champions Cup weeks’ are special – these are the games you want to be involved in – hearing the music when you run out is what gives you goosebumps.”
Wasps host Munster on Sunday, December 12 with kick-off at 3.15pm at the CBS Arena.
