The fine French city of Lyon hosts the European finals this weekend and yet again the only Welsh interest lies in the shape of individuals playing beyond our borders.

The Champions Cup final between Racing 92 and Saracens has the look of a typically dour affair with both sides favouring the direct approach.

Saracens are getting better though. They no longer have a collective nose bleed if the ball goes wider than the outside-half. However, Racing 92 remain firmly in the grips of their agoraphobia.

Despite having arguably the best fly-half in history pulling the strings for a talented and agile backline, the French side will stick to the power game and Dan Carter's kicks to eke out a win.

But that won't beat the Saracens. They will eat them up and spit them out. Their relentless physicality must be outplayed with skill and speed rather than matched and overcome.

Looking at the strength and depth of these sides it is not only the Welsh regions but the whole Pro 12 league that looks anaemic in comparison.

Not one side from our league made it through to the knock-out stages and when Pro 12 likely winners Leinster finish bottom of their group in Europe you wonder if the Welsh regions are ever going to be in contention again.

So what do the Welsh regions need to improve their performance next season?

Starting with the Scarlets, they have a backline which on paper is up there with anyone. They could do with natural finishers on the wings perhaps, but their main issues lie up front and they do need some strengthening.

The Blues appear to be getting there. They need a few holes filled, particularly at tight head and second row. If Cuthbert can get halfway back to where he was and if Ray Lee-Lo can get a partner in midfield there is the semblance of a decent team there. All in all, it has been a satisfactory first season in charge for Danny Wilson.

The Ospreys' issues lie in the two extremes. The back three still lack cutting edge and sadly this has not been a breakthrough season for flyer Eli Walker. There are several combinations of fine ball players in the midfield these days at the Liberty Stadium, so they need quality outside them. The other problem is the props. For the first time their scrum has been an issue.

The Dragons have yet another difficult year ahead it would seem. They are losing their only truly international class player in Falatau and will be eager to develop the exciting youngsters into regular starting players.Kingsley Jones is a man of Gwent and will be anxious to see the results improve. The problem they have is that just as they seem to catch up, everyone else has moved on.

So the regions have plenty to do in the off-season and a handful of finals to enjoy in the coming weeks.

Personally I hope Racing 92 lift the Champions Cup in Lyons this weekend. In coming to this view I have had to consider many complex thoughts. However I think I can sum up my reasoning in two words, 'Chris Ashton'.