After the golden years of Rougerie, Parra, Fofana and Keyser, Clermont's fall was swift but there are signs the tide is turning
World Rugby's new eligibility laws mean that a number of high-profile players could have the opportunity to play for a different country from which they were first capped.
It's been a frustrating twelve weeks in between match starts for Paolo Odogwu who was in the form of his life at Wasps before England call-up.
Eddie Jones is usually all for verbal sparring in Test match build-ups but the England boss has been nothing but courteous about France.
Bernard Le Roux has been given a new lease of life by France's youngsters
Les Bleus are looking to Pacific territories for talent, but will it bring heartbreak for young players in France?
A rash of Top 14 red cards, has seen many French commentators call for more flair and less flare
The 2020/21 Clermont squad looks stronger, more balanced and has a back line to terrify even the most organised of defences.
Follow all the action on the RugbyPass live blog from the Heineken Champions Cup match between Clermont and Ulster at Stade Marcel Michelin.