Saturday 11 May 2019 13:58, UK
Ahead of Saturday's Champions Cup final between defending champions Leinster and two-time winners Saracens at Newcastle's St James' Park, we take a look at three players to watch from each team…
Owen Farrell
England captain, British & Irish Lions representative, multiple winner of domestic and European honours, and Saracens' all-time leading point-scorer - at the age of 27 there is little in rugby union Farrell has not already done.
A flawless kicking performance saw him boot Sarries to Champions Cup glory in 2016 as they beat Racing 92 21-9 and earned the tournament's player of the year award as the club successfully defended their crown by beating Clermont 28-17 in the final the following year.
Farrell has helped guide them back into European club rugby's showpiece game for the first time since then, going through the tournament unbeaten so far, and his battle with opposite number and Ireland international Johnny Sexton promises to be a fascinating one.
Maro Itoje
Comfortable playing in either the second row or at blindside flanker, Itoje will line up in the latter for the clash with Leinster to accommodate Will Skelton in the Saracens engine room.
One of 11 academy products in Sarries' match-day 23, Itoje has already established himself on the international scene with England and earned plenty of admirers for his versatility, dynamism and the way he terrorises opponents at the breakdown.
Named European player of the year in the wake of Saracens' 2016 Champions Cup triumph, Itoje's efforts played a big part in his team defeating Munster in the semi-finals last month. he produces more of the same against Leinster on Saturday then it will be a difficult afternoon for the Irish side.
Mako Vunipola
Declared fit to face Leinster on the eve of this year's Champions Cup final after struggling with an ankle injury since the Six Nations, prop Vunipola adds another imposing presence to an already formidable Saracens pack.
The England international's most recent appearance for his club came against Leinster's rivals Munster in the Champions Cup semi-final last month, playing 62 minutes as Sarries triumphed 32-16.
Vunipola making 86 tackles en route to Saracens' 2016 triumph underlines his defensive prowess and he is a fearsome scrummager too - an area him and his fellow forwards will have to be at their best when they go head-to-head with a formidable Leinster pack.
Johnny Sexton
One of the preeminent fly-halves of his era and one of the outstanding players in any position, Ireland international Sexton is arguable the heartbeat of the Leinster team and is one of several squad members aiming for their fifth triumph in European club rugby's showpiece game.
Although perhaps most associated with his role in masterminding a comeback from 22-6 down at half-time to beat Northampton Saints 33-22 in the 2011 final, Sexton has been an instrumental part in the Irish side's other three victories too - including kicking three penalties in last year's 15-12 win over Racing 92.
The fourth-highest points-scorer in Heineken Cup and Champions Cup history - Saracens' Owen Farrell is just ahead of him on the list - Sexton is again likely to be key to Leinster's chances of victory.
Robbie Henshaw
It has been a difficult season for the centre as injuries have restricted his appearances for both Leinster and Ireland, but Henshaw is now back to full fitness and aiming to add a second Champions Cup winners' medal to his collection.
Henshaw's recent return to action has seen him renew his partnership with Garry Ringrose in the Leinster midfield, with the former Connacht man slotting back in seamlessly and adding a physical presence there.
The duo are likely to find themselves up against Brad Barritt and Alex Lozowski, who will attempt to nullify the threats from Henshaw and Ringrose in a bid to help thwart Leinster's bid to maintain their perfect record in European finals.
Cian Healy
Another of the three Leinster players aiming for their fifth European final triumph - along with Sexton and Devin Toner - Healy is one of the cornerstones of the Blues' pack.
The 31-year-old has enjoyed a renaissance in his career since recovering from a neck injury in 2015 which left him considering retirement and many observers wondering if the Ireland international could make it back to the top level of the sport.
One of the more dynamic props of the modern era, Healy possesses great strength too and will be a danger both at the set piece - where he forms a formidable front row with fellow prop Tadgh Furlong and hooker Sean Cronin - and in general play.
