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Incredible scenes at La Rochelle port after Champions Cup win
By Josh Raisey
Ronan O’Gara was not lying when he said “it will be carnage in the port of La Rochelle for the next few days” after his side lifted the Heineken Champions Cup for the first time yesterday.
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The head coach said he would “highly advise you getting to the port of La Rochelle for the next four days” following the 24-21 victory, and videos online have revealed why.
The port at La Rochelle was awash with fans yesterday waving flags, chanting ‘Ici ici c’est La Rochelle,’ and even jumping into the water as they celebrated the side’s first ever Champions Cup triumph one year after being pipped by Toulouse at Twickenham.
Take a look at some of the scenes:
— Galson (@Ocho85495331) May 28, 2022
C’était pourtant interdit, les traditionnels sauts dans le port pour fêter le tout premier titre de l’histoire du @staderochelais en @ChampionsCup_FR !!!! Champion d’Europe !!!! 🟡⚫️ pic.twitter.com/hRtufwisHC
— France Bleu La Rochelle (@Bleu_Rochelle) May 28, 2022
Man of the match Will Skelton described La Rochelle as “only a small town” after the match, but they came out in force to celebrate and uphold their reputation of being some of the best fans in Europe.
The lock had only played 15 minutes of rugby in the month leading up to the final as he rehabbed a calf injury, but it did not show as he played 80 minutes, carrying relentlessly throughout. The Australian was instrumental in his side’s late onslaught on the Leinster line while trailing 21-17, allowing Arthur Retiere to go over for the last minute match winner.
“This means everything to this club, the players and to me. We are only a small town, we aren’t supposed to be playing in these big games,” said Skelton.
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“It hurt a lot last year when we were beaten by Toulouse but sometimes you have to lose before you can go on to win the big one.
“We showed a lot of character and the way we won it shows how much we care for this club, the town and each other.”
