Clermont ones to avoid in cup pool

NOW that the silverware has been distributed for a variety of tournaments all over Europe a period of quiet reflection and planning will commence for next season.

Not that the international playing contingent will be able to look that far ahead just yet with Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales and France all embarking on demanding tours over the next three weeks.

For some, the journey will be more pleasant than others. Certainly the sizeable Clermont Auvergne contingent in the French squad heading to South Africa will do so with a major millstone finally banished. After over a century chasing a dream and having lost 10 French championship finals, including two in the last three years, they finally reached the Promised Land at the Stade de France.