HEINEKEN CHAMPIONS CUP
Ronan O’Gara embraces leading invading army into ‘lion’s den’
Former Ireland and Munster fly half is undaunted at the prospect of La Rochelle denying Leinster the Heineken Champions Cup title – this time in front of their home fans
O'Gara strides out at the Aviva Stadium before the Champions Cup final
DAN SHERIDAN/REX FEATURES
Six days after Munster recorded a famous victory over Leinster, Ronan O’Gara strode on to the lush turf of the Aviva Stadium in a symbolic red hoodie. The badge on his left breast was of La Rochelle, but the colour was that of Munster. “I am saving the green one for tomorrow,” O’Gara said. The green of Ireland? At the home of Ireland and on the day his monstrous La Rochelle side tackle Leinster for the Heineken Champions Cup? O’Gara is back in Dublin, stirring the pot and planning a victorious homecoming.
Saturday’s final will be the third instalment of an epic trilogy between Leinster and La Rochelle. O’Gara led his side to victory on French soil in the 2021 semi-finals and in last year’s
