Daily Express

It’s Ooh-La-La Rochelle after titanic tussle FRENCHMEN EDGE EPIC

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IT was a match for the ages, a European Champions Cup final of intense, gripping drama.

And for Ronan O’Gara it was another glorious achievemen­t as he guided French side La Rochelle to back-to-back triumphs.

Twelve months on from defeating Leinster 24-21 in Marseille, La Rochelle fought back from 17-0 down at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

O’Gara, 46, who took charge in June 2019 after previous spells at Racing 92 and New Zealand side Crusaders, rated the victory as one of the highlights of his career as both player and coach.

“Because it is the freshest it is always the best, isn’t it?” said O’Gara, who, as a player, won the Champions Cup twice with Munster, helped Ireland win the Six Nations Grand Slam and went on three British and Irish Lions tours.

“I’m just proud of the character of the team, 17-0 down and away from home, they could have easily found a way to find an excuse but these boys have character – and character is important in sport.

“We love it. We care a lot for each other. We don’t talk about that but we act and there is no bigger proof in the pudding than back-to-back [Champions Cup wins].

“We are probably beginning to be seen as a special team and the boys deserve to be there.”

His stock has risen further with this glory and could it be a step towards coaching Ireland? O’Gara told the BBC’s Rugby Union Weekly podcast: “Yes, of course, I want to coach Ireland as well but you have got to earn that right.” Ireland’s record points scorer and second-most capped player with 128 appearance­s, O’Gara spared a thought for compatriot­s Leinster, who have lost in three of the past five Champions Cup finals after winning the title in 2018.

“Sport is ruthless,” he said. “I must admit that as a head coach or leader you feel for Leinster management and the players – it is horrible.”

It was a word that summed up the emotions of the day as Leo Cullen spoke of Leinster’s “devastatio­n”. The Irish province led 23-7 on the half-hour mark after making a sensationa­l start but they were unable to sustain the pace. Replacemen­t prop GeorgesHen­ri Colombe scored the match-winning try in the 72nd minute to leave Leinster distraught. “Devastatio­n is probably the word,” Cullen told BT Sport. “The occasion, the amazing atmosphere, both sets of supporters and two sets of players going full at it – everything you want in a final, which goes down to one point.”

LEINSTER – Tries: Sheehan (2), J O’Brien. Con: R Byrne. Pens: R Byrne (3).

LA ROCHELLE – Tries: Danty, Seuteni, Colombe. Cons: Hastoy (3). Pens: Hastoy: (2).

 ?? ?? wHAT A fEELINg La Rochelle players celebrate and, below, Ross Byrne feels pain of defeat
wHAT A fEELINg La Rochelle players celebrate and, below, Ross Byrne feels pain of defeat
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