Toulon to lose out on the double

The denouement of the maiden European Champions Cup has arrived and for the third year in succession, there is no Irish interest in the final of the continent’s showpiece competition.

It’s well documented at this stage the Irish provinces are more than one step behind Toulon and Clermont, who are setting the standards that everyone else needs to meet. Next season will be a fascinating one for the provinces in that regard, given Ulster didn’t fire a shot, Munster couldn’t get out of their group and Leinster failed to win a semi-final that was there for the taking - even if only because Toulon were so poor.

Clermont and Toulon are now the focal points of European club rugby in a number of ways, as evidenced by some of the subplots that surround tomorrow’s Twickenham decider.