England's record breaking prop Jason Leonard has strongly refuted claims by his team mates that he figured in the last game between NEC Harlequins and Stade Francais . . . in 1920!
The grandaddy of England's current squad, the 99-times capped Leonard is getting ready to lock horns with French rival Pieter de Villiers in the crack PARKER PEN CHALLENGE CUP first leg,
second round clash with Stade Francais at The Stoop on Saturday.
The game is being billed as 'the Euro capital clash' and Leonard can't wait to get it on.
'There is no truth in the rumour I played in the last game between the two clubs. I've been around a while, but not that long,' joked Leonard.
'It's always a special occasion when you play a French side and this match is going to be a considerable jump up for us. I just wish we could be playing at this level more often.
'I know Pieter very well and he's always a tough competitor at the scrums and around the field. No doubt we'll haev a few drinks together after the game.
'You tend to think that French sides don't travel well, but after the first leg we've got to do the unthinkable and play them in their own backyard. At home, they raise their game by at least 50%.
'It was a great day foir the club when we won the PARKER PEN SHIELD two seasons ago. We had had a poor season up until then and to win a major title at the end was a great feeling.
'I a great believer in not looking too far ahead. We will gvie Stade Francais the respect they deserve, but we've got to look to win the home leg.
'We've had some very good home crowds this season and we've strung together some good wins at The Stoop. We're a confident side at home and we've had the luck of the draw in getting a home game first.
'We've got to go out and try to score as many points as possible because we aren't under any illusion as to how difficult it will be to go to Paris the following weekend.'
Three French sides are travelling to face London clubs in the first legs of the second round matches - Bordeaux-Belges travel to London Wasps, while Colomiers go to Saracens.
