In an exclusive interview with the Champions Rugby Show, he outlines how the competition has produced plenty of new rivalries among Europe’s rugby elite and seen the professional game grow.

“I just think it has given rugby as a sport a much broader tapestry. There’s much more colour to rugby now because of the Heineken Cup,” he said.

“All of a sudden Leicester have a rivalry with Munster. Clubs like Leicester used to, in the old days of amateurism, go to Swansea to have their Wales Easter tour each year.

“That was lost initially with professionalism, because we all seemed to contract into our own national leagues, but what the Heineken Cup did was allow professional rugby to flourish.”

Mullins also highlighted the effect the supporters of Europe’s top teams have had on the Heineken Champions Cup in its 25 years.

“Sure, it’s important for the players, but as we are discovering now, when we talk about how we come out of lockdown and whether we play behind closed doors, sport is nothing without the supporters,” he added.

“For me, I think about the contrasting colours of the Aviva Stadium, with Leinster taking games there, and I think about those finals in Lyon and in St James’ Park, and hopefully Marseille before too long. It’s the supporters as well who create this entire intoxicating package.

“So, yeah - it’s [the Heineken Champions Cup] important for the players, but it’s important for us as spectators as well.”

Listen to the Champions Rugby Show by clicking HERE or by using Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify. Keep an eye out for more Champions Rugby Show podcasts in the coming days and don’t forget to watch Saturday’s Heineken Champions Cup Rewind between Ospreys and Biarritz Olympique.

Rugby has benefited hugely from the Heineken Champions Cup, according to BT Sport commentator Nick Mullins.