The 30-year-old, who helped Saracens defeat Leinster Rugby in the 2019 final and scored a try as La Rochelle triumphed over the Irish province in last season’s semi-final, has recovered from a calf injury.

La Rochelle head coach Ronan O’Gara is delighted to have Skelton back at his disposal as he looks to lead his team to victory over Leinster in Marseille tomorrow night.

“It’s a massive boost,” he said. “I don’t think you can overestimate what he will do for our team. There are very few players in the world like him.

“It’s been a really careful plan trying to get him to this stage. It’s delicate when you have a frame like he has.

“He’s ready to go. Obviously, he’ll be shy in game time but there’s a serious professional hidden behind him, working in the shade.

“It’s a massive boost for our team, he gives us energy. I don’t think opposition like playing him. Physically he’s very difficult to play against so it’s a massive boost for us this week.”

There was some uncertainty over whether Skelton would return in time to start the game at Stade Vélodrome, but Leinster head coach Leo Cullen says all possibilities had been considered this week.

He said: “You’ve got to plan for all the different eventualities. We expected Skelton to be involved. There was different rumours going on.

“He’s a big physical man, for sure, and [Uini] Atonio as well, the two of them are very powerful players. It’s important that we try and deal with those guys.”

The game in Marseille kicks off at 16:45 (UK & Irish time) and will be available to watch on BT Sport, Channel 4, Virgin Media, beIN SPORTS, France 2 and Sky Italia.

Stade Rochelais have received a boost ahead of the Heineken Champions Cup final as lock Will Skelton returns to the starting XV.