Lawrence Dallaglio has urged European clubs to embrace the challenge posed by SA teams in the Investec Champions Cup, emphasising the opportunity to lift their game.

The former England captain’s comments follow ongoing debate over the tournament’s expansion and inclusion of sides from the Republic in Europe’s premier club competition.

“I was a little bit ‘eyebrows raised’ when it happened, because there’s no doubt they [South Africa] benefit massively from having their players in it,” Dallaglio was quoted by Planet Rugby.

“It almost validates their international selection policy, doesn’t it? It allows them all to go away, travel, and play. But there’s another way of looking at it.”

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The 88-Test Dallaglio, who was a member of the successful 1997 British & Irish Lions team to SA, hailed the learning experience of playing in the country.

“To play and win in South Africa, either as a club or an international player, is the pinnacle,” he said. “I was lucky to win a British & Irish Lions tour in South Africa at 24.

“Once you’ve won away in South Africa, you think anything and everything is possible in your life.”

While acknowledging the strain of travel and player welfare concerns, Dallaglio believes the experience will ultimately strengthen European players.

“We’ve got to look at it as a positive. I never got to play in South Africa outside of international jerseys. I would have loved that opportunity as a club player,” he added.

“If you win away in South Africa in a club game, what problem have you got then playing at international level?”