the Leinster-La Rochelle final in 7 figures

2023-05-20 07:25:00

First poster repeated two years in a row, sixth Franco-Irish duel, duel of scorers…: the key figures of the new clash between Rochelais and Leinstermen.

1

This is the first time in history that two teams meet two years in a row in the final. Finding the same poster in the final is also rather rare. Since 1996 and before this Leinster-La Rochelle, only Toulon-Clermont had had this honor (in 2013 then 2015).

3

Defending champions Stade Rochelais will be playing in their third consecutive Champions Cup final. Stade Toulousain (in 2003, 2004 and 2005) and RC Toulon (2013, 2014, 2015) are the only other clubs that have already qualified for three consecutive Champions Cup finals. The Varois are the only ones to have triumphed each time.

5

Stade Rochelais has become the 5^e French club to reach the final at least three times after Stade Toulousain (7 times for 5 wins), RC Toulon (3 wins in 3 finals), Clermont and Racing 92 (3 losses each).

Irishman Cian Healy can become the first player to win the Champions Cup five times

5

Cian Healy can become the first player in history to have won the Champions Cup five times. The 35-year-old Irish pillar (123 caps) has already broken a record: it will be his 7^e participation in a final, one more than his current record of six finals played, tied with his Leinster teammate, Johnny Sexton, and the Frenchman Cédric Heymans (CA Brive then Stade Toulousain). Healy has taken part in all seven matches of this continental campaign as a substitute. He is again placed on the bench for this final.

Read alsoChampions Cup: against Stade Rochelais, Leinster lines up Lowe on the wing, Ringrose and Henshaw in the center

6

This final is the sixth to oppose an Irish province and a French club. The Irish lead four wins against one…

7

Leinster will participate in its 7^e Champions Cup final. A record shared with Stade Toulousain. And can equal, in case of victory, the record of five titles held by Stade Toulousain. If the Irish have won their first four finals, they remain on two losses, against Saracens (10-20) in 2019 and against La Rochelle (21-24) last season.

Read alsoChampions Cup: La Rochelle with Danty and Botia entry against Leinster

85

Stade Rochelais opener Antoine Hastoy is the best scorer of this edition with a total of 85 points. Four points more than his vis-à-vis Leinster, Ross Byrne (81). Josh van der Flier is the best scorer with six tries, just ahead of… Rochelais Tawera Kerr-Barlow who scored five.