The former Ireland and Munster Rugby fly-half, who won the trophy twice as a player, can detect a change in mood in his double-chasing La Rochelle squad as they bid to emulate the Irish province following a maiden EPCR title in Marseille last year.

“There is more energy than usual,” he said. “We have a lot of players available and we can’t wait until Sunday. The atmosphere in the room reminded me of the one I felt in my time at Munster.

“Of course, that is the reason for my presence at the club. This is what shocked me the most when I moved with Racing a few years ago. (Stade Marcel) Deflandre’s fervour stayed with me and when I got home, I said to my wife: ‘We have to go to La Rochelle!’

“Selling out the stadium shows the pride the supporters have for the club. It marks me. I can’t guarantee them that the players will have the level that I expect of them, but what is non-negotiable is that they play with pride and honesty.

“The public respects that. They are real supporters capable of judging but who like their team to be proud. The cohesion between the public and the players gives a real identity to our team.

“There are many similarities with Munster values. We are a little different here. But the guys are stimulated. There is more energy. We can’t wait to be there.”

Stade Rochelais head coach Ronan O’Gara has admitted that his side “can’t wait” for Sunday’s sell-out Heineken Champions Cup semi-final with Exeter Chiefs at Bordeaux’s Matmut ATLANTIQUE stadium.