First, a look back.

At a World Rugby meeting three years to determine a solution to the global calendar, Bernard Laporte asserted that the Champions Cup was ‘passé’, and no one really supported it anyway, so let us move on to something else. The then next in line to Chairman of our game globally showed just how out of touch administrators can be.

In Dublin on Saturday, I witnessed possibly the best club game ever played. It genuinely was an International (and some) match played in club Jerseys by two of the best sides in the world in any shirt. The tribalism was vibrant and heartfelt- you had to be there to feel it but even on TV I could see it jumping out of the screen.

The fairy tale story of a seaside town with centuries of history against the proxy Ireland team playing in one of the citadels of rugby was not David against Goliath. La Rochelle had more in its on-field armoury than its defences ever had in various mediaeval battles over the ages.

I remember when Bath went two tries down in ten minutes against Wasps in an English KO Final at Twickenham many years ago. We were calm and knew we could have our say if we did not panic – so it was with La Rochelle who acknowledged the sheer brilliance of Leinster – and it was- but believed in themselves.

Ronan O’Gara must be pinching himself to come to his old international stomping ground and carry away the Cup. His values and beliefs shone through in the interviews. As impressive as I have heard. He is a firebrand, but he is real.

A word to all at EPCR as their former Chairman. Brilliantly done, perfect execution and I was proud to be there as a guest. I just hope they can do it again – Tottenham 2024 (get tickets now) and beyond with 30 expressions of interest worldwide for 2025. That is what happens when you bottle this heady mix of rugby, experience, and family. The post-match on field celebrations of La Rochelle included partners, children and dear friends – and Ronan O’Gara’s mum who took a pride of place.

As I write, La Rochelle is still partying. It is emotional and incredible to see the scenes portside. Sport can do this, rugby can do this, and with the struggles we face in rugby – not gone away- we needed to remind ourselves how beautiful and gratifying the game can be on and off the field. 

Grand Grand Chapeau.