The number of debatable collisions and questions about the laws of the game highlight the problems rugby faces in attracting a new audience
In this strange, fractured sporting season we should probably be grateful there was a Champions Cup final at all. As Toulouse hoisted their record fifth European trophy into the evening sky it was momentarily possible to overlook all the wintry 28-0 Covid walkovers and logistical travel nightmares that had threatened to leave the organisers with nowhere to go.
From a sporting narrative perspective, too, it was heartwarming to see France’s new shimmering star Antoine Dupont share a joyful trophy lift with the 38-year-old former All Black Jerome Kaino, twice a World Cup winner and now a European champion as well. Kaino’s career ends this summer and his medal collection now ranks up with the very best.
