The 22-year-old has only been in France since the end of last year, after joining Lyon from Saracens, but he has already seen enough to know it could be some contest, with only four points separating the two clubs in the TOP 14.

“Next Friday should be a cracker,” said the England Under-20 international. “I’m looking forward to it and I’m sure the fans are.

“We’re not focusing on the history – it's more about taking each game as it comes. We haven’t won anything yet. Thankfully, we’ve secured that spot in the final, but there’s still a journey to get that cup.”

And Kpoku acknowledges that the trip is going to difficult, with Toulon being three-time European champions, triple Challenge Cup finalists and in form.

“Looking at Toulon, they’re on a bit of a good run,” he commented. “We know it’s going to be tough, especially in the forwards. They’ve got some electric backs too, so we’ve got to stop them getting into the game.

“The set-piece is going to be the big one – that will set the tone for who comes out on top and where the game is going to be won.”

Kpoku could be facing Eben Etzebeth, the vastly experienced and World Cup-winning South Africa lock, but he isn’t phased.

“A lot of people have told me that, but I can’t go into my shell,” he said. “He’s achieved amazing things in his career, but on the day I need to concentrate on my own game and not focus on what is opposite me. Hopefully I’ll perform well and we’ll come out on top.”

In fact, Kpoku was named man of the match in Lyon’s 20-18 semi-final win over Wasps, only his second European appearance for the French club, and was so impressive that he drew comparisons with his former Saracens team-mate, England international Maro Itoje.

However, the London-born forward, who speaks fluent French thanks to his Congolese parents, played down those comparisons.

“Maro is an exceptional player, but I’m trying to make my own name rather than be compared to anyone else,” he said.

“I was very surprised to win man of the match, but I’ll take it on board, try to keep my consistency and try to take my game to another level.”

Regular game time is now what he is seeking after suffering a leg injury in his first match against Stade Rochelais in December.

“I still haven’t played many games due to being injured in my first game against La Rochelle,” he said. “I felt very useless at the time. That period was very tough mentally. I’d left England and was all alone.

“But I’ve had the right support, fair play to the medical staff. They stuck by me and it has made me a stronger man. It wasn’t easy to say the least.

“I’ve tried to adapt my game to their system, whether in the set-piece or open play, and to take it to new heights. Hopefully I’ve done that so far.”

Lyon lock Joel Kpoku has predicted that next Friday’s EPCR Challenge Cup final against RC Toulon in Marseille should be “a cracker” as his club go in search of their first European title.