La Rochelle were fifth when the 2019/20 Top 14 season was called off early, so why are we wondering about what might have been for Jono Gibbes' team?
Follow all the action on the RugbyPass live blog from the Heineken Champions Cup match between Exeter Chiefs and La Rochelle at Sandy Park.
Sale’s hopes of progressing to the European Champions Cup quarter-finals came to an end as they were beaten 30-23 by La Rochelle.
It was 2006 when the former All Blacks boss cruelly told James he wasn't good enough for the Western Force, a decision that sparked a stellar stint in the Top 14.
The Warriors beat La Rochelle last weekend in France but their hopes of backing up that victory against the same opposition were dashed at Scotstoun.
The Chiefs' have failed to deliver in the Champions Cup, their European form often a shadow of their Premiership power, but they started their latest campaign in fine style in France.
Budgets, players to watch, arrivals and departures - and an overview of each club at the start of the new season. Welcome to the Rugby Pass club-by-club Top 14 season preview
A cursory glance at Bordeaux Begles top signings ahead of the 2018/19 and strong argument can be made that it's the most impressive spending spree of any Top14 club in 2018.
Montpellier were replaced by La Rochelle at the summit of the Top 14 table after losing at Stade Marcel-Deflandre.
