The Dragons missed out on a quarter-final spot by one point, as Brive progressed despite the Dragons matching their tally of 16 points through the group stage.
Despite finishing the group stage with a strong performance in beating a first team Bordeaux side at Rodney Parade on Saturday, Jackman rued his team missing out on a try bonus point against Russian side Enisei and crucial points in the match against Newcastle Falcons back in December, both at Newport, were the cause.
“We did what we had to do on Saturday in terms of getting the four try bonus with a nine point winning margin to finish second, but unfortunately for us Edinburgh couldn’t beat Stade and Brive got the attacking bonus against Worcester so we bowed out. We’ll be better for it next year.
Regulars at facing international class opposition through the PRO14, European cup competitions still provide a fresh opportunity for the Dragons to face new opponents and try out new players which continues to appeal to Jackman.
“Europe was a chance to look at the fringe guys and we’ve had an incredible injury crisis with 26 players injured over the last six weeks all in one go so effectively the team picked itself, as a lot of the injured guys would have been first choice at the start of the season
“We’ve looked at a lot of young players and fringe players which has been good and it was great to see them come good in round six and put in a big performance at home as from this week we’re starting to get bodies back so the medium term benefit of the way it played out is we’ve more strength in depth as we build towards next season
“We played Enisei in Moscow this season, but last year the Dragons had to go to Serbia which was a six hour flight from Moscow again, so it is an opportunity to go to a place you have not been and bond with those guys and share values of rugby that got us all attracted to the game.
"It can be nice to get away from the domestic league and freshen up the squad to take on a team you don’t know so much about and the coaching staff get to look at teams differently."
Much has been spoken about the demise of English club teams this season and the return to form of the Irish sides, with three out of four progressing and Ulster just missing out in the Champions Cup. Former Ireland hooker Jackman is well placed to assess the success of the Irish, but doesnt rule out the back to back champions Saracens from turning over top seeds Leinster in Dublin.
"The production line in Ireland is phenomenal although a lot of it is coming from the Leinster academy who have such an over supply of players they are starting to produce for other provinces now," he added.
"There’s three or four Leinster lads at Munster and seven or eight at Connacht, plus four at Ulster with two more joining over the summer.
"Coaching in Ireland is strong and the culture is good at each of the four provinces and for me Joe Schmdit is technically one of the best coaches in the world and he’s getting the maximum out of his players so its looking healthy over there.
"Leinster were unlucky to be top seed and face Saracens though, which isn’t a gift by any means. Saracens are one of a few teams that can go to Dublin and beat Leinster.
"The thing about Europe though is its all well and good being in great form now but its what you are like in two months time. Leinster and Saracens are big clubs that lose players to Six Nations and with injuries and loss of form it can affect you as it’s a short turn around after 6 Nations which is often a big task.
"Leinster and Munster will be happy to have home draws but they’ll be conscious of trying to peak again come Quarter-final time."
