Can anyone stop a Gallic procession?

English clubs will need a fast start if they are to challenge Les grands chefs of France in Europe's elite competition

- Robert Kitson

Bordeaux's title last year was France's fifth Champions Cup win in a row

(DAVID ROGERS/GETTY IMAGES)

There was a time when the European Cup had an overwhelmingly Irish flavour.

The organisers’ headquarters were in Dublin and between 2006 and 2012 either Munster or Leinster lifted the trophy five times in seven seasons. Everyone else was forced to scrabble around for the last few Tayto crisps in the bag.

And now? The tournament, officially known these days as the Investec Champions Cup, has tilted so far towards France you can practically smell the garlic. Admittedly its HQ is now in Switzerland for tax reasons but, financially and on the field, the balance of power lies squarely with les grands chefs of the Top 14. Since 2021, there have been five successive French winners and on three occasions in that time, the Challenge Cup has also disappeared across the Channel.

With next May’s final scheduled for Bilbao in the Basque Country, barely 75 miles across the French border, this year’s question is obvious: can anyone stop the seemingly inevitable? Even before a ball is kicked it feels like something special will be needed to prevent another Gallic procession.

Because not only are five of the Top 14’s current top six revving up on the grid but many of their so-called rivals are short of form.