The French giants will be going in search for a record-breaking fifth European title, but have not featured in a final since 2010 and can’t claim a player to have featured for Toulouse in that success over a decade ago.

And despite their superior European pedigree, many of the La Rochelle squad that Mola’s side face did feature in the Challenge Cup final in 2019, a defeat to ASM Clermont Auvergne in Newcastle.

“I’d like to say that I do [think the Toulouse players are nervous], but I don’t,” said Mola, when asked about the pressure on his side ahead of the showpiece final.

“I’d really like to say that I do, because it’s an event that’s being played in a legendary stadium which adds extra pressure, but no, I don’t.

“From what I can see, it’s not really getting to them. They’re used to it, but they’re relaxed to the point that the older guys almost won the football game we had in our training session, but the younger players held on.

“They’ve got a carefree attitude and are keen to spend more quality time together, so long may that last.”

Toulouse captain Julien Marchand misses out due to suspension, with French international scrum-half Antoine Dupont – someone who Mola described as the “natural choice” to stand in – has taken over the role for the biggest match in his career to date.

“It was a natural choice for us,” he added. “We had a chat and this is why he’s here; the way he’s progressed, his skills as a player, his character, and his influence on this team all make him able to captain Stade Toulousain in a final.

“He is a young captain, but I think he will be well supported by [Jerome] Kaino and his teammates.

“But, beyond the symbolism and what it may represent, it’s just logical and in step with how things have turned out for us.”

Toulouse head coach Ugo Mola has said that nerves will not a be problem for his side who will take on La Rochelle this afternoon in the Heineken Champions Cup final at Twickenham Stadium.