Noves savours the moment

HE may have looked strangely subdued come the final whistle in Paris on Saturday, but Toulouse coach Guy Noves livened up somewhat when praising his team after they recorded a record fourth Heineken Cup triumph.

Noves, often compared to football’s Alex Ferguson for his longevity and success with one club, looked more like a contemplative Jose Mourinho as the celebrations began at the final whistle in the Stade de France, following his side’s 21-19 victory.

He seemed to be in a world of his own, displaying the demeanour of a man whose side had been defeated, rather than one who had masterminded a victory which ensures a place in European rugby’s history books.