Kristian Dacey insists Cardiff Blues can compete against the finest teams in European rugby, as they prepare for next season's Heineken Champions Cup.
Wales' Capital Region have been drawn against Saracens, Glasgow Warriors and Lyon as they make a long-awaited return to Europe's top table.
The eight-times capped Wales hooker believes his side can carry momentum from last season's stunning end-of-season form, which saw the Arms Park outfit lift the Challenge Cup in Bilbao.
“We are back where we belong now. If you look at the Champions Cup and the calibre of the sides in it, for us to be in the mix with them is huge," said Dacey.
“We can 100 per cent build on last season’s success. It’s a great place to be at the Blues and we haven’t had this level of confidence and belief for a number of years now. On our day, we can beat any side in Europe.
“There’s no reason why we can’t compete for the Guinness PRO14 and the Champions Cup this season. We will be aiming for the play-offs and then knock-out rugby is all about who turns up on the day.
“It’s for anyone to take and as a group of boys we are excited for the season ahead. As a squad we know that competing for silverware this year is on our agenda.
“Getting into the PRO14 play-offs and getting into the Champions Cup quarter finals would be massive for us.”
Dacey, who was named Players' Player and Fans' Player of the Year in 2016/17, is edging ever-closer to his 150th appearance in Cardiff Blues colours.
The hooker admits he still has international ambitions ahead of next year's Rugby World Cup in Japan, but his focus remains on his regional form.
Dacey said: “I want to get back to a standard which I’m happy with personally. If I can get back to that, then I’ll hopefully be able to push my way back in.
“I’ve just got to concentrate on my own game and concentrate on getting my body ready for what I want it to do. If I can do that, I have no doubt that I can get back in there.
“The World Cup is still a long way away. Come the spring and summer that’s when you start thinking about it.”