They bounced back during the last fortnight though with wins over Agen and Grenoble in Europe to set them up well for Friday's GUINNESS PRO12 clash with Newport Gwent Dragons.
Dickinson is one of a number of Scottish internationals who have returned to the club following the World Cup.
And while relishing the chance to get back among his teammates, Dickinson knows results need to start coming in the league.
"The last two games we have managed to get ourselves a couple of good wins and get a bit of momentum," Dickinson told the Scotsman.
"Now we go back into the league and that's a different kettle of fish. We've got a tough game. We know we're still in an uphill battle in the league.
"The World Cup was a tough one to take, so mentally it was good to come back with a different perspective, getting back into league action and back with your club teammates and striving for a different goal. It's good to be back but we've got a lot to improve on."
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