Armitage was instrumental in RC Toulon’s dominance between 2013 and 2015, winning three Champions Cups and claiming the EPCR European Player of the Year award in 2014.

And speaking exclusively on the Champions Rugby Show, the 34-year-old back row highlighted the quality and talent that the competition has produced in recent seasons all over Europe.

“It’s just got better and better," said the three-time Champions Cup winner. “The talent that is coming on show is just amazing and it’s given everyone a different taste of rugby to what they are used to.

“From the Premiership to the Top 14 and the PRO14 with the intensity and speed mixed together. It’s good that we get the chance to compete against the best in Europe.

“I don’t think it’ll ever quite sink in. My jerseys and medals are all locked away in a suitcase hidden up in the attic so one day I might go back up there when I’m a lot older and think ‘oh, what is this? I actually did something with my life before!’

“Hopefully the kids go up there and find them or something but I don’t think it’ll ever quite sink in.

“There was a saying that [French clubs] they would send a weaker side abroad but now they see it as a massive event and they send their best side wherever they go.”

Armitage also highlighted the influence of fly-half Jonny Wilkinson, who proved crucial in Champions Cup final wins over ASM Clermont Auvergne and Saracens in 2013 and 2014.

“He was a true leader and an inspiration to everyone," Armitage added. “He kept us on our feet if we were getting a bit too big-headed.

“It was just everything he showed whether it was in training or on the pitch - he was always 110 per cent every single time and he made people follow him.

“No one really wanted to let him down so we all had to give 120 per cent and that’s what he brought to us.

“Most of the time he was there and he was always on point and was there to make sure we finished the game on a high.”

To listen to the full Champions Rugby Show, click HERE or use our Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts.

Keep an eye out for more podcasts in the coming days and don’t forget to tune into Saturday’s first European Cup classic re-run between Munster Rugby and Gloucester Rugby from 2003.

Three-time Champions Cup winner Steffon Armitage has highlighted the improving quality of competition in the Heineken Champions Cup in recent seasons.