For Dublin-based Leinster, they will have the added motivation – and pressure - of delivering a record-equalling fifth EPCR crown in their home city.

La Rochelle, who were roared to their maiden Heineken Champions Cup title by a raucous following in Marseille last year, will need to retain their composure amid what is set to be a boisterous Irish crowd.

Leinster head coach Leo Cullen says supporters will certainly play a role in tomorrow’s game: “That relationship [with fans] is important.

“Our point of difference has to be the supporter base that we have, which allows us to do certain things. That connection will hopefully be there tomorrow.

“It’s about delivering a performance in front of your own fans. Hopefully we’ll have that sea of blue here and I think that’s enough motivation for us.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXHHk-siMYs

Leinster captain James Ryan added: “We’re excited to play in front of our own supporters, our family, our friends. It’s a very unique and special day, so we’re looking forward to it.”

La Rochelle head coach Ronan O’Gara recalled his team’s semi-final win over Exeter Chiefs in front of a packed Matmut ATLANTIQUE as he noted how fans can lift a team in crucial games.

“We were all told that there would be plenty of La Rochelle fans for the semi-final in Bordeaux,” he said. “It sounds good but then you go and you’re like ‘oh, wow, that’s something else’.

“It gives energy and a knife to our team. It’s going to be the opposite of that tomorrow, for our guys.”

Brice Dulin says La Rochelle must expect the excitement levels to rise even further for the final, which will be played in a very different setting to their 2022 success.

“We have to expect something even bigger in terms of atmosphere, hostility but we prepare hard to live these moments,” he said.

Captain Grégory Alldritt hailed the La Rochelle fans who have made the trip to Ireland for the final, but also gave recognition to the fans back on the west coast of France, the scene of such brilliant celebrations after last year’s triumph.

"It adds something to be here at the Aviva Stadium,” he said. “We will think of our supporters who will be on the port in La Rochelle.

“But we are not here to suffer our emotions. We are on a mission. It's a challenge that motivates us enormously."

A sell-out crowd at the Aviva Stadium for Saturday’s Heineken Champions Cup is a key factor for both Leinster Rugby and Stade Rochelais.