Worcester notched three tries in the defeat at Kingston Park, through Duhan Van Der Merwe, Harri Doel and Will Chudley, as they secured a losing bonus point.

Thomas insisted that the points could prove crucial in their mission to progress from Pool A of the EPCR Challenge Cup, and that they are a fitting consolation for his team’s efforts.

“[I’m] just really proud of the effort of the players,” he told Worcester’s website. “It’s our second game here in as many weeks and two points again.

“I think in European competition and coming away from home it’s important to get points, and to get two points is pleasing.

“I think the players themselves are just really disappointed because I think we dominated the game, there were opportunities out there.

“I think [there were] some fundamental errors – we turned the ball over a little bit too much. But there were opportunities to win the game, I think that’s why the players are frustrated.

“First and foremost, [I was pleased with] the character and desire. The boys are really playing for each other and they showed that there was huge commitment there to the cause.

“We had a freakish try that we conceded from the kick off which is disappointing but for large parts of that game out set piece was excellent. We were physical.

“Yes, we’re disappointed to lose, everyone wants to win. But the biggest thing then, if you can’t win, is picking up points, especially in European rugby.

“We’ve got a desire to get out of our pool, so two points is consolation for what was a good performance.”

Worcester welcome 2012 Challenge Cup winners Biarritz Olympique to Sixways Stadium in Round 2 on Saturday – a clash Thomas is relishing.

“Biarritz have a huge reputation in the game, especially in European rugby, so hopefully we’ll get a great crowd out,” he said.

“The boys are playing for each other and there’s really good team spirit at the moment within the group. We just want to keep the momentum going that we’ve got.

“Obviously, it’s important that we win at home but it’s an exciting opportunity - [there’s] probably not too many times Biarritz have come to Sixways over the years so it’s going to be great for the supporters.”

Worcester Warriors head coach Jonathan Thomas commended his side’s “character” after they went down 31-26 to Newcastle Falcons in Round 1 of the EPCR Challenge Cup on Friday night.