Clermont future bright

Bridesmaid. It’s a word that seems to provoke equal amounts of fear and loathing from members of the opposite sex, much to the incomprehension of men everywhere.

But when you use the word to explain a team that lost 10 Championship finals in a row, that rather alien word ‘bridesmaid’ becomes that little bit more understandable.

Once billed as the unluckiest club in world rugby, ASM Clermont Auvergne finally rid themselves of their ‘bridesmaid’ tag in 2010, winning their first French title and finally ending a jinx that had completely consumed them. The 2010 final against Perpignan had been their fourth consecutive visit to the Stade de France in as many years and the sense of elation and emotion at the final whistle even had neutrals choking back the tears.