Skelton – nominated for EPCR European Player of the Year – has shone this season under O’Gara and Gibbes, putting in a stunning display as La Rochelle defeated European giants Leinster Rugby 32-23 in the semi-finals to secure a spot in Europe’s showpiece match for the first time.

The 29-year-old is one of few in the La Rochelle playing squad to have lifted the Heineken Champions Cup, winning the title with Saracens in 2019.

The Wallabies international was quick to praise both coaches for allowing them to play to the side’s strengths ahead of Saturday’s clash with Toulouse.

“I think him [O’Gara] and Jono Gibbes have been great with the direction and how we want to play,” Skelton said. “They haven’t pigeon-holed us into a specific style, he lets us play to our strengths.

“We’ve got guys like [Dillyn] Leyds, guys like Victor [Vito], Greg Alldritt, who don’t change the way they play, they play to their strengths.

“Ronan and Jono facilitate that at training and its showing on the field.

“Ronan’s a legend of the game. I didn’t know how it’d go as a coach though, because it doesn’t always transfer - being a great player to a great coach.

“But for me, he’s been awesome. He’s been someone who has helped on the side of playing to your strengths.

“He’s that type of coach – he's direct, he’s straight and I enjoy it.”

La Rochelle lock Will Skelton has praised the coaching duo of head coach Ronan O’Gara and director of rugby Jono Gibbes ahead of Saturday’s Heineken Champions Cup final against Toulouse at Twickenham Stadium.