You don’t have to lose one first. But maybe it helps.

The Racing 92 physio was in tears in the dressing room in Lyon last Saturday. That was Patrice Boutevin’s third European Cup final loss, and while it’s not nice to see adult men broken up, it’s good he cares so much.

His first final loss was ten years ago. With Biarritz against Munster. I told him Saturday night I now have three European final losses like him. Yes, he said, but you have 2006.

The losses aren’t easier second or third time around. But the first one leaves you reeling. You realise it’s a long way back up the hill next season. You don’t just lose a final. You lose all the ground, all the elevations you made during the campaign. That’s what I felt like Monday. Three days later, I’ve emerged from the hole.