The four-time champions play Stade Rochelais in their home city hoping to avoid a repeat of last season’s showpiece game, which went the way of their French counterparts in Marseille.

Cullen says Leinster are privileged to be playing in a seventh Heineken Champions Cup, and that it is the opportunity they dreamed of after their 2022 disappointment.

“Pressure is a funny thing isn’t it,” he said. “Everyone is nervous because they want to do their best. It’s such an amazing tournament isn’t it. There’s a real privilege to be here.

“We go back to the preparation during the course of the week, and you can’t fault the lads. They’ve prepared really well this week.

“I can’t wait to see them play and deliver something close to their best. That’s all we need to do. Pressure is a good thing, that’s what we want. We all want to be here.

“If you offered us this opportunity after the final last year, knowing there was final in Dublin the year after, [we’d have taken it] and we’re here now, exactly where we want to be.

“It’s pressure but it’s the most positive pressure you could ask for. We hope we have a big turnout from our supporters, and everyone gets behind the team.”

Cullen reflected on how difficult it is to win the Heineken Champions Cup, having seen his team fall to defeat in two finals since their fourth title in 2018.

“It’s so hard to win this tournament isn’t it. You think you’re on a roll at different stages.

“I think back to that time, 2009, 2011 and 2012, because it was so hard up to that point, that you’re thinking ‘maybe it’s not as hard as we thought it was’.

“But it is hard. It’s unbelievably hard. And there’s so many good teams, and to navigate your way through the season [is difficult], there’s so many rounds to get through.”

After the heartbreak of losing to La Rochelle amid a dramatic late try last year, Cullen says Leinster are more motivated than ever to clinch the trophy in front of a sell-out crowd.

“We’ve been very, very close last year,” he said. “It was a painful experience to go through

“I remember walking through the airport after the game and there was disappointment on so many people’s faces.

“We’re here again, at this stage, and that’s exactly where we want to be at this moment in time.”

Leinster Rugby are relishing the pressure of playing a Heineken Champions Cup final at the Aviva Stadium, head coach Leo Cullen has assured.