Fabien Pelous is set to give Toulouse a massive boost and captain them in the 10th anniversary Heineken Cup final against Stade Francais Paris in Edinburgh on Sunday (3.00 pm).
Fabien Pelous is set to give Toulouse a massive boost and captain them in the 10th anniversary Heineken Cup final against Stade Francais Paris in Edinburgh on Sunday (3.00 pm).
The French captain made his comeback from a knee injury in Saturday's 47-20 Top 16 victory over Castres Olympique and is poised to skipper his side as they go in search of an historic third title.
"I enjoyed getting back into the team," Pelous said. "I had a bit of trouble finding my rhythm but my knee felt fine and I'm looking forward to the Heineken Cup final on Sunday.
"I think we're ready and we've done everything we can to be prepared for the game. The essence is there and it's just a question of putting it in on the day."
Stade Francais Paris also go into European club rugby's showpiece occasion on the back of a win, a 29-24 home victory over Narbonne, and with over 51,000 tickets gone for the final between the heavyweights of French rugby it has all the makings of a classic.
"I only have good memories of Murrayfield," said Stade Francais Paris and French wing ace Christophe Dominici. "But there are many players who share those great memories - and several of them are playing for Toulouse!
"It's a great stadium with a fantastic atmosphere and I think it's a wonderful place to try and become European champions but, once again, I think Toulouse would probably say the same thing."
Commenting on the appeal of the 10th anniversary Heineken Cup final, Derek McGrath, ERC Chief Executive said: "With two-time Heineken Cup champions Toulouse facing the two in a row French champions, the quality of these teams, combined with an extensive programme of activities planned for the City and Murrayfield, will make the 10th anniversary Heineken Cup final a sporting occasion not to be missed.
"We are calling on the people of Scotland to come and experience the first Heineken Cup final at Murrayfield. We don't want people to wake up on a Monday morning and say I have missed a great game of rugby and a wonderful day out."