Munster regrets matched by Ulster frustration

It says everything about the way rugby is going that the first person to occupy a seat on the top table at the Toulon post-match press conference after Sunday’s semi-final was club owner Mourad Boudjellal. Even Roman Abramovich wouldn’t chance that after a Chelsea victory.

My first thought was that as Toulon coach Bernard Laporte is currently serving a 16-week ban for his latest abuse of a referee, Boudjellal was filling the void. Our French colleagues in the press room scuppered that one immediately with confirmation that he always addresses the media after games before the management get their opportunity.

There is a smugness about the comic book king that grates somewhat and even the compliments thrown Munster’s way after their latest heroic efforts appeared a little empty, coming from him.