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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Michael Scully

Ronan O'Gara says La Rochelle were disrespected ahead of Champions Cup final

Jubilant La Rochelle boss Ronan O'Gara said his team was treated with disrespect after edging out Leinster in the Champions Cup final for the second year running.

EPCR bosses are looking into allegations of a tunnel altercation at half-time at the Stadium, with O'Gara, Johnny Sexton, Ronan O'Gara and Will Skelton reportedly among those involved.

“EPCR is aware of reports of an incident at half-time during the Heineken Champions Cup final at the Aviva Stadium and the tournament organiser will be investigating this as soon as practicable. We have no further comment at this time," read a statement.

Les Maritimes skipper Gregory Alldritt was unhappy with his Leinster counterpart James Ryan at the coin toss.

And O'Gara wasn't pleased that friends and family were not given a room at the Aviva Stadium to celebrate their dramatic 27-26 triumph.

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"First of all at the coin toss, I don't think they respected us," said Alldritt.

"He (Ryan) eyeballed me and you must respect the opposition."

And O'Gara said: "Yeah, I got word of it on the pitch, I have a close relationship with my captain. Greg was disappointed, he felt let down.

"We were seen as the little team all week. "In terms of families' accommodation and the post match gigs, we're over in Lansdowne (rugby club), we can't even get a room in here.

"We're seen as a little team, but that's about to change."

However O'Gara was delighted with the nature of his side's comeback from 17-0 down after only 12 minutes, after Leinster came out of the blocks in devastating fashion.

"Yeah, it was incredibly good because we were on the ropes obviously and being steamrolled by an incredible team," said former Munster star.

"I knew Goodie (Leinster attack coach Andrew Goodman) would have something up his sleeve but wasn't expecting it after 40 seconds.

"We had conceded three tries after 12 minutes, it was 17-0, and you're not long away from getting hosed, which obviously wasn't the plan coming here.

"The Leinster team were possessed, Gibson-Park coming off a lineout with an attacking tackle, there were loads of those moments.

"But it was obvious even at 17-0 we were dangerous with the ball.

"It wasn't easy at the beginning but we were able to play - and we have a very interesting culture in our team.

"The boys really care, they dug in, they showed real resolve and I think they are worthy champions.

"I feel very proud of this group. This is a special team but it's just the beginning."

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