McIlroy is the Scots French connection in Euro final

THERE has been a lot of talk ahead of Saturday’s European Rugby Champions Cup final about the Scottish connections in the Saracens camp — but there is also a significant one in the Clermont Auvergne ranks.

The likes of Jim Hamilton, Kelly Brown, Duncan Taylor and Sean Maitland may well be involved on the pitch at Murrayfield for the English outfit.

And masterminding the Clermont effort will be proud Jedburgh man Neil McIlroy.

He is the rugby manager at the French giants, dealing with all the off-field issues to make sure that the coaching staff and players have everything they need in place to secure the victory come match day.

The 49-year-old has been with the club for more than a decade and believes that the current squad at Clermont is one of the best he has seen.

‘I have really enjoyed this year with the guys, especially this European journey,’ he said.

‘Nowadays, at a pro club like this, there are comings and goings, so you are never sure how the guys will click but right from pre-season last summer, this bunch seem to have a good dynamic.

‘There are guys who have a lot of international caps, foreign players and young ones coming through, and they work hard to get results.

‘As a proud Scot, to be able to bring Clermont to Murrayfield is very exciting for me.

‘I was in Edinburgh a few weeks ago to have a look around and it’s a special place.

‘I was lucky enough to play there for the Borders a number of years ago, but to take a team there in a European final with family and friends watching will be something else.’

This summer, Scotland scrum-half Greig Laidlaw — last night drafted into the British and Irish Lions squad for the tour of New Zealand — is making the move from Gloucester to Clermont, and McIlroy believes his fellow Jed man can be a hit in France.

‘I am delighted that Greig is joining us. He is such an intelligent player,’ said McIlroy. ‘I remember watching him come through the ranks at Jed and now we are teaming up in France.’