This weekend's meeting between Leinster and La Rochelle will be the latest instalment in what is arguably becoming the fiercest rivalry in European rugby.
The two sides have met on three occasions in the Champions Cup in recent seasons. The French side would win the final between the pair 2022, beating Leo Cullen's men by three points in Marseille. Ronan O'Gara's men would repeat that trick a year later, this winning the decider on Irish soil.
Leinster would regain some pride earlier this season when they defeated La Rochelle in the pool stages of this year's competition, but this weekend's quarter-final will be telling as to whether they have overcome the issues they had against this opposition on the biggest stage.
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Rugby: La Rochelle stars have Irish singsong after Cork arrival
The rivalry between Leinster and La Rochelle would be a fierce one in any case, but the presence of Ronan O'Gara at the French club certainly adds an extra layer of intrigue.
The Munster legend had quite a few battles with his provincial rivals down through the years, something he has now carried over into his coaching career. Of course, quite a few people in Munster have rather enjoyed the success he has experienced against Leinster in recent times.
Ahead of this weekend's game, he took the decision to bring his team on a training camp in his native Cork. They will be based at the Fota Island Resort on the outskirts of the city.
They touched down in the Rebel County this morning, with O'Gara sharing a picture online after he was greeted by familiar weather conditions.
Home sweet home🙈 pic.twitter.com/Zbg7ZndX6t
— Ronan O Gara (@RonanOGara10) April 8, 2024
While the weather may not be ideal, it seems that the La Rochelle players are very much getting into the swing of things.
Kerry native Ultan Dillane would share footage on his Instagram page of him and the rest of the squad listening to The Fields of Athenry as they made their way to their base for the next few days.
@balls.ieLa Rochelle have landed in Cork and they're getting into the spirit by listening to Munster anthems on the team bus:eyes::rolling_on_the_floor_laughing: (via Ultan Dillane's insta story)
They are certainly quickly adjusting to their new surroundings. Of course, this song has become strongly associated with Munster Rugby in recent years, something we're sure is no coincidence.
They might well find that they they have quite a bit of support from the locals over the coming days.
While La Rochelle have not played their best rugby for much of this season, they will fancy their chances of securing a third victory over Leinster in as many seasons this weekend.
It should be a fantastic game.
SEE ALSO: La Rochelle Stars Reveal Furious Ronan O'Gara Speech That Led To Stormers Victory
