Luke Charteris crucial to the rise of Racing 92, says Mike Phillips

Wales lock Luke Charteris has been hailed as one of Racing 92’s “most valuable assets” this season.

The wealthy Parisians’ march to a European Champions Cup final appointment with Saracens in Lyon on Saturday has been highlighted by major contributions from world stars like Dan Carter, Joe Rokocoko, and Juan Imhoff.

But Charteris can stand tall - literally, at 6ft 9in - among such illustrious company after underpinning Racing’s solid Champions Cup foundations.