We even forced smiles from the French policemen

With a final to prepare for, Joe Schmidt wasn't giving his players any time to celebrate their win over Clermont. While their fans were painting Bordeaux blue, the squad were heading to the local airport for the quick flight home.

Isa Nacewa blushed as the terminal came to a standstill to sing his name, Jonny Sexton smiled as he was quickly surrounded by fans and BOD looked exhausted but happy.

The crowds even managed to squeeze a grin from French police.

Quieter

As the Herald reported earlier in the week, Schmidt decided to switch the team's hotel booking from the city centre to a quieter resort in the suburb.

But the rugby boss did allow the side to take in some of the historic landmarks. The team enjoyed a brief stroll about the city as they relaxed before the fixture.

Back in the city last night, the Guinness was flowing and the music pumping as thousands of supporters poured out onto the streets.

Most fans found themselves stationed at the unofficial Leinster base in the Connemara pub, perched on Cours D'Albret. A rock band and a Limerick DJ helped entertain the crowds. Belting out old favourites and a number of Irish anthems, the hordes sang along from the balconies.

Although 30,000 Clermont followers arrived on over 40 coaches, the majority quickly fled the city for the six-hour journey home.