Yet Cardiff remains the only side from over the Severn Bridge to reach the European Cup final since its conception, losing 21-18 to Toulouse in the inaugural 1996 competition when English and Scottish teams weren’t competing.

And Dallaglio, who won five Guinness Premiership titles and two Heineken Cups in his Wasps career, maintains Gatland's adopted nation remain second-class citizens at the highest level until they break that duck.

“Warren can say what he likes about the Premiership but when was the last time a Welsh side won the Heineken Cup?” said Dallaglio.

“If the Magners League is all that then how come the Welsh sides aren't dominating our guys in Europe.

“He has to say the Premiership is rubbish because otherwise all his players will be over here playing and Wales will have a load more disputes to handle.

“I think it was probably a tongue-in-cheek remark because he enjoys stirring things up a bit.

“But if he is serious then I’d like to think we're going to see something spectacular from a few Welsh clubs this year.

“People used to look at the gap between league and international rugby and say ‘wow’ but I think you can apply that to league and European rugby now.

“Some of the games we saw in Europe last year were fantastic and there have been some great games again this year.

“I think that is the level now where you are really tested as a club and come May we'll see which country has the best club side.”