Tough guy

COMPARISONS with greatness are second nature to Stade Toulousain. After all, they have been winning since their formation as a club in 1907 with great teams forged from each generation.

It is why, 16 French championship titles later, players and coaches from across Europe hold them in such awe.

Munster scrum-half Peter Stringer calls them the Real Madrid of European rugby but behind every great team there is a great coach; the special person with the ability to inspire, motivate and galvanise elite sportsmen. At Toulouse his name is Guy Novès, and in his 10 years in charge he has delivered the Bouclier de Brennus Brennus's Shield the Holy Grail of French rugby six times, the French Cup twice and the Heineken Cup in its inaugural year, 1996.