Of all the global superstars shipped into the old French port courtesy of Mourad Boudjellal’s largesse, none have stayed longer than Bastareaud. The suspension also allowed Ireland to give the French super-heavyweight the widest of berth at the start of the Six Nations. No French team has won a quarter-final in Limerick. Boudjellal’s wealth has transformed the club, converted the club into serial winners on a scale grand enough to inspire comparison to Real Madrid or Barcelona. If by tomorrow, the prospect of an all-Ireland Champions’ Cup in Bilbao looms ever nearer, that will be seen as some compensation.

Source: Irish Examiner March 30, 2018 23:03 UTC