La Rochelle welcomed home by thousands of fans with open top bus parade after Champions Cup win

There was deja vu in La Rochelle on Sunday as locals thronged the streets across the city’s previous port to acclaim their conquering staff — who introduced again the Champions Cup for a second successive year.

Ronan O’Gara and his Rochelais squad launched into an open-top bus experience as tens of 1000’s of followers greeted them with a sea of yellow flags and celebratory chants, following the 27-26 victory over Leinster in Dublin.

However the welcome had begun a number of hours earlier. Having landed on a constitution flight at 3.45am, they had been shocked to find round 2,000 followers ready to launch a celebration, with music and flares.

‘This metropolis, this area is behind us,’ stated France centre Jonathan Danty, who scored the attempt which ignited his aspect’s comeback from a 17-0 deficit. ‘La Rochelle is mostly a household.’

Captain and France No 8 Gregory Alldritt added: ‘It was loopy in Marseille (final yr). I assumed I had reached a peak of emotion, but it surely by no means stops. I hope we’ll experience the wave and revel in it now.’

After the occasion, it’s again to enterprise. La Rochelle have their sights on a Double as they gear up for the Prime 14 league play-offs.

La Rochelle had been topped the 2023 European Champions Cup winners after they defeated Leinster in an exhilarating sport on the Aviva Stadium in Dublin

They had been welcomed dwelling by lots of followers as they paraded the trophy via the streets on an open prime bus

Ronan O’Gara has now guided the membership to back-to-back European titles however may transfer to tackle the Eire job when the chance comes accessible

There have been jubilant scenes within the city because the gamers hoisted the trophy for his or her followers

1000’s of supporters introduced lined the streets with flags making a sea of yellow

Flares and yellow smoke had been additionally scene among the many celebrating lots because the coach arrived