The 2018 TOP 14 winners sit two points behind Dragons with two pool stage matches remaining, giving Castres the chance to overtake the Welsh region and leave their qualification hopes in their own hands going into Round 6.

“It’s a do-or-die encounter,” said the 31-year-old. “If we win, we maintain our hopes of qualifying [for the quarter-finals]. In contrast, if we lose, it will be difficult for us to reach the knockout stage.

“It’s a real play-off match. The knockout stage of the Challenge Cup starts this weekend for us. We need to step up our motivation levels.

“They will be coming to Castres looking for a win and to qualify [for the quarter-finals]. We know what to expect. They will not want a fruitless journey.

“All our squad are well aware that it will be a hard match. But we are ready to continue this adventure.”

Dumora believes that with European Finals Weekend being held in Marseille, there is added motivation for Castres to reach the last eight of the Challenge Cup.

“We had a clear aim at the start of the season,” he added. “We wanted to qualify from this pool for the quarter-finals. We still have our destiny in our hands.

“I really feel this team will give every last drop in these last two matches, so that there are no regrets. The Challenge Cup is very important to the club. It’s a great competition with some big teams.

“It is a real pleasure to say we could be playing on the Marseille pitch next May. It makes you dream and it would be a lovely present for our supporters.”

Castres Olympique utility back Julien Dumora has described his side’s home European Rugby Challenge Cup Pool 1 clash with Dragons on Saturday as “do-or-die" as the French side look to move a step closer to the quarter-finals.