Osprey’s victory over English champions Leicester at the weekend confirmed their place in the last eight of the Heineken Cup.

Meanwhile the Scarlets and Cardiff Blues produced impressive victories over Brive and Harlequins respectively to earn places in the first knockout round of the Amlin Challenge Cup.

And with England set to be Wales’ first opponents in the Six Nations at Twickenham on February 6, Gatland believes his squad will kick off the competition brimming with confidence.

“The last couple of weeks have been very good for the Welsh regions in Europe,” said Gatland.

“There is a real feel-good factor. You have really got to hit the ground running in this tournament.

“If you start well, it builds momentum. If we get off to a good start, and then do well in our next two games at home, then we can have a really good Six Nations.”