Couilloud starred throughout the match at Stade Vélodrome and set Lyon on their way to victory with a try on seven minutes – moments after having another score ruled out by the TMO.

His display helped Lyon secure a maiden European trophy – something he and his teammates are immensely proud of.

“Today, only that title counted,” he said. “We knew that we would be expected in the conquest sector and we were irreproachable against one of the biggest packs in Europe.

“We had put all the things in place this week to prepare for this game. We were ready for the duel, for the fight. It makes sense to transcend oneself for this kind of event.

“We are a group that has matured and fed on its past failures. Experienced players like Jordan (Taufua) brought us a lot of serenity. He guided us to find this lucidity in the important moments.

“Everything has been done this year so that we grow together and go for this victory. There is a lot of happiness and emotions.

“It's the accomplishment of seven years of work since we went back to the TOP 14. It was important for us to go for a title. We put Lyon on the map of European rugby.”

Captain Jordan Taufua’s offload put Couilloud over for his try, and the No.8 was similarly proud of Lyon’s achievement, which he says came as a result of their committed defence.

“We were after a performance we wanted to be proud of,” he said. “We wanted to play good rugby, show LOU rugby to everyone, and also to Toulon. And I thought we did that tonight.

“They stepped up on defence when it counted and [I] can be proud of the boys for doing that.

“A lot of people [were] talking about Toulon, but we didn’t talk that much. We just wanted to go to work and show LOU rugby. I thought we did that tonight.”

Scrum-half Baptiste Couilloud says Lyon produced a faultless performance as they beat RC Toulon 30-12 to clinch the EPCR Challenge Cup on Friday.