McFarland’s side have showcased scintillating form in the Guinness PRO14 in 2020 but face a tough challenge against perennial European contenders Toulouse.

The Ulster coach is all too aware of the threats that Toulouse pose, with the Frenchmen having romped to victory 36-8 in last season’s quarter-final meeting, but confidence is high in the Ulster ranks as they prepare to face the four-time European champions.

“We’re obviously in a good position and there’s a good feeling that comes with the confidence that you get from winning,” explained McFarland.

“But we’re also under no illusion that playing during international windows in domestic competitions - it doesn’t matter what domestic competition it is - is different to playing in Heineken Champions Cup games out of international windows.”

Ulster have enjoyed measured success in the competition as of late, reaching the quarter-final stage in consecutive seasons - a goal McFarland is hoping to replicate for a third successive campaign.

“For a club like Ulster [Rugby], we’re maxing out if we’re playing playoff games in the Heineken Champions Cup, and that’s just the nature of where we are at the moment.

“So, you know, that’s our goal: we want to be playing in the quarter-final of the Champions Cup, and, you know, if we get through to that stage, then we will reassess what our goals are.”

Their French opponents have loftier ambitions having fallen at the semi-final stage in both the 2018/19 and 2019/20 competitions.

“Playing against a team like Toulouse, perennial champions of the competition who have beaten us by 30-odd points the last time we were playing in Europe, the mountain we have to climb is significant,” added McFarland.

Ulster Rugby head coach Dan McFarland is looking forward to the challenge of facing a familiar foe in the opening round of Heineken Champions Cup on Friday night.