‘We will be better for the Thomond experience’

JOE VAN NIEKERK thought he had just about experienced everything in rugby – until he led Toulon onto the pitch at Thomond Park on Saturday.

The South African international back rower described the atmosphere as “truly electric” and admitted the venue lived up to its enviable reputation in European and world rugby.

“When you’re playing at home, it makes a big difference; we had heard about this place, that it is a type of fortress for them and there is no doubt it was, it is. It’s a fantastic venue and the atmosphere was incredible,” said the Toulon skipper.