Four weeks out from the start of the Top 14 campaign, and pre-season is just about in full swing. Champions Toulouse will be the last to return to full training – most players are due back at Stade Ernest Wallon this week after a deserved six-week break following their double-winning exploits. Theirs will be a breakneck preparation – there’s time in the programme for just one warm-up match before the trip to La Rochelle on opening weekend.
It’s a difficult job, but if any club can do it, it’s Toulouse – and Ugo Mola at least will have key internationals, including Antoine Dupont, Julien Ma...