Bristol visit 2022 and 2023 European champions La Rochelle on 14 December, followed by a home game against Italian team Benetton on 12 January and a trip to Clermont Auvergne six days later.

Prop Ellis Genge and scrum-half Harry Randall are in contention against Leinster after being rested, while Lam has been impressed by his young players who have “stepped up and performed” on their way to 29 points from their first seven league games.

“This is what rugby is about – the team,” said Lam. “Despite the challenge, we’ll have a good chance.

“I’ve been blessed to win the Premiership [with Newcastle Falcons in 1998] and the Champions Cup as a player; they were both very enjoyable experiences, but the Premiership was only noted by the English, whereas the European Cup was worldwide.

“The stakes are high and your reputation as a club can be made or lost by the competition. This is the biggest stage in northern hemisphere rugby.”