2023-05-21 10:57:27
The Champions Cup final between La Rochelle and Leinster in Dublin, won by the Maritimes (26-27) after an incredible scenario, was not only tough on the pitch. At half-time, when the Rochelais were logically trailing, an altercation reportedly broke out between Maritimes coach Ronan O’Gara and several Leinster players, including fly-half Jonathan Sexton, who was forfeited this game.
The coach reportedly wanted to chat with match referee Jaco Peyper, which Sexton reportedly did not like. The second line of La Rochelle Will Skelton would also have come to participate in this clash during which insults would have been exchanged.
In a statement, the EPCR, the organizing body of the Champions Cup, assured that it “will investigate this matter as soon as possible”, adding that it does not want to comment further at this time. Ronan O’Gara claimed that La Rochelle had been treated as a “small team”.
In a press conference, Maritimes captain Grégory Alldritt explained that the Irish had not been very respectful during the toss, the pre-game draw. “James Ryan (Leinster captain) didn’t look me in the eye when he shook my hand. And it shouldn’t be done. There are a lot of values in our club, respect is part of it,” he said. An incident of which Ronan O’Gara was aware, who recalled his “close relationship” with his captain.
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