Hughes captained the side who succumbed to an injury-time conversion off the post from Anthony Belleau in Round 2 despite being down to 14 men.

“It is a game that stands out this season for me,” he told Scarlets’ website. “I thought we managed the game really well, even when we were down to 14 men and I felt we did enough to win. There’s a feeling that we owe them one.

“We’re a close group and we’ll have confidence going out there. The fact there is unlikely to be a big crowd, which is always a big factor for the French teams, could work to our advantage as well.”

However, the 26-year-old, who played in all six of Scarlets’ Pool 2 games earlier this season, is disappointed they won’t have the backing of the 600 or so fans who made the journey last time.

“Yes, it was fantastic the last time,” he recalled. “Walking from the hotel over to the stadium was amazing. Our fans always travel in numbers and always make themselves heard. It really gives you a boost. It is a shame they won’t be there, but I’m sure they will be watching from home.”

Hughes is expecting Toulon to field “a powerful team” and “a huge pack”, after the French club cruised to a 27-15 victory at Parc y Scarlets in January.

“When we played them here, I think the conditions suited them a little bit more than us that night,” he commented.

“We know we have to be disciplined in the tackle area and maintain the intensity of the game in order for us to play the way we want to play.

“It is also important that we control the game and play in the right parts of the field. It should be a great game and occasion. We’re really looking forward to the challenge.”

Scarlets centre Steff Hughes has warned RC Toulon that the Welsh region are fired up for their return to Stade Félix Mayol in Saturday’s European Rugby Challenge Cup quarter-finals after their 17-16 Pool 2 loss there in November.