What Matthieu Jailbert told Henry Pollock in heated Champions Cup exchange

Matthieu Jalibert has revealed what he said in a heated on-field exchange with Northampton Saints’ Henry Pollock during Bordeaux-Bègles’ dramatic Investec Champions Cup final victory, claiming the English side had disrespected the French club in the build-up to the match.

The 26-year-old played a central role in guiding UBB to their first-ever Champions Cup trophy, playing a key part in a number of the French side’s tries and generally terrorising the Saints’ defence.

The France international fly-half was also one of a number of players seen in a fiery tête-à-tête with Pollock after the final whistle in Bordeaux’s 28–20 win at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Saturday.

Jalibert told the BBC that comments made by Saints players in the media in the lead-up to the match had heightened tensions.

“I told him (Pollock) that he didn’t know our club,” Jalibert said. “They said some things in the press which we didn’t really appreciate.”

“They said that we were a club of mercenaries who are here for the money. I just told him that he doesn’t know our history, where we came from and that he must respect all clubs.”

The remarks refer to comments attributed to several Saints players ahead of the semi-final clash, in which there was a clear sense that the English Premiership leaders felt they were facing a side constructed through financial muscle rather than homegrown development.

Jalibert, one of several Bordeaux players to have risen through the club’s academy and an emblematic figure in their rise, took exception.

The scrap with Pollock has certainly garnered headlines following the result, with Saints clearly miffed at the England back-row being singled out by the Top 14 heavyweights.

“There was a fracas at the end, there was foul play involved,” head coach Phil Dowson said. “I have been assured that the touch judge has seen it and will deal with it appropriately.

“Henry Pollock was particularly upset by it because I think it was uncalled for and out of order. He reacted, and the officials have told me that they will deal with it.”

Teammate Fin Smith also questioned why UBB came after the confident Pollock, whose post-match celebrations have split rugby fans in recent weeks.

“They were after him (Pollock). I don’t think they liked him. He will be alright,” said Smith, who is heading to Australia with the British and Irish Lions later this summer. “I remember they (Bordeaux players) all sort of charged at him and were trying to get hold of him.

“I am surprised if you have just won a European Cup, the first thing you want to do is start a fight with a 20-year-old. I felt that was interesting.”