Speaking exclusively to the Champions Rugby Show, the 36-year-old South African international wing was in no doubt about the value of Europe’s top club competition that saw him collect winners’ medals with RC Toulon in 2014 against Saracens and in 2015 against ASM Clermont Auvergne.

“The Heineken Champions Cup is such a high level of rugby that to be crowned European champions and to have that prestigious title, I think the camaraderie and the actual enjoyment of the competition is so, so special,” he said.

“I am extremely grateful not only to have played it and to have been really successful at Toulon, but to have experienced those friendships and to get the experience of supporters supporting their team through the good times and bad times, and to see that being reciprocated by the opposition supporters, is absolutely brilliant.

“Just seeing that environment in the Heineken Champions Cup is extremely special and I think some of the players make that competition so, so unique.”

The 2007 Rugby World Cup winner has particularly fond memories of Toulon’s 25-20 extra-time victory over Leinster Rugby in the 2015 semi-final in Marseille, in which he scored a match-winning interception try.

Habana added: “To have those memories that you can pass on to your kids – actually I watched that Leinster game with my two little boys three or four days ago – and them seeing their dad playing a part in such an incredible occasion is something that you can only dream of.

“I am so grateful that I got to be a rugby player, that I got to play the game professionally and that I got to leave the sport with so many memories. At the end of the day that’s all you have. You can look back at those memories, smile and share them with your loved ones, and you’re sitting in a pretty decent place.”

Habana, who scored eight tries in 24 European appearances for Toulon, had one particular piece of advice to anyone wishing to take up the game.

“As professional rugby players, you’re extremely grateful for the platform you’re given, not only to live up to your dreams, but also to have the opportunity to inspire. For us as role models, you get an opportunity to be an example and to make a difference,” he said.

“A piece of advice I struggled with at times throughout my career is to never forget the reason you actually picked up the game, and to be able to enjoy each and every moment of it because of the platform you’ve been given. It is something I really encourage anyone wanting to become a professional athlete never to forget.”

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Keep an eye out for more podcasts in the coming days and don’t forget to tune into our next Heineken Champions Cup Rewind on Saturday.

Two-time winner Bryan Habana labelled the Heineken Champions Cup “extremely special” as he reflected on a glorious rugby career that brought him honours across the globe.