'Mighty' Toulouse stand between La Rochelle and double

Ronan O'Gara's outfit could become the third French side, and 11th outfit overall, to claim two titles in one season since the European Cup began in 1996 after beating Leinster last month, for a second straight campaign.

Toulouse have already achieved the feat twice, the last time coming in 2021 when they overcame this weekend's visitors for a record-extending 22nd French title to also lift the 131-year-old trophy, the Bouclier de Brennus.

"This week will be different against a big, mighty team," La Rochelle's Fiji flanker Levani Botia told reporters this week.

"They know how to play finals and win Boucliers.

"We haven't won it. We will try and manage what they bring this weekend," he added after Saturday's semi-final victory over Bordeaux-Begles.

In La Rochelle's way are a side inspired by France captain Antoine Dupont, 2021's World Rugby player of the year.

That accolade came after he played a crucial part in his club's most recent double-winning campaign.

"The match coming this weekend is going to be very difficult, a knockout match," Dupont told Canal+ after Friday's last-four win over Racing 92.

"We really wanted to get back to Paris. We still have one step to take," he added.

World Cup amuse-bouche

More than a million people are expected to watch the game on French television, with the match broadcast on a free to air channel and subscription service Canal+.

It's part of a deal that highlights the sport's financial health in France with a new contract starting next season worth 113.6 million euros ($124 million) per campaign, the highest figure for such an agreement for a rugby league in the world.

The eyes behind these screens and at the sold-out Stade de France will be fixed on the battle between locks Emmanuel Meafou and