Ronan O'Gara and La Rochelle got their Champions Cup off to a winning start on a miserable Friday night in Bath.
The two-time European champions have endured a tough start to the Top 14 season, and had won just one of their last four games as they arrived at The Rec on Friday.
In driving rain, the French side were fastest off the mark, leading 21-7 at half-time thanks to tries from Oscar Jegou, Reda Wardi and Tawera Kerr-Barlow. Bath would mount a second-half comeback with some force, getting within one point, but Ihaia West's penalty was enough to get La Rochelle over the line.
Ronan O'Gara will have been relieved to see his side hold on for victory given their inconsistency in the Top 14 thus far. However, he had to deal with a complaint from some of the home fans for his antics during the game, as his frustrations boiled over at points on Friday night.
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Ronan O'Gara apologises to Bath fans for swearing during Champions Cup game
The Mail's rugby reporter Alex Bywater reported during Friday's Champions Cup opener that Ronan O'Gara could be heard swearing from the coaches' box.
Bywater said that O'Gara's cries were bilingual, saying, "O'Gara seriously animated in the first 40, mixing between shouts of French and English. 'Avance' and 'F*** it' two of the more regular comments.
O'Gara is well known for his passion on the touchline and in the stands. He has been punished on more than one occasion for touchline incidents since his arrival in France.
Though he may not face punishment for his foul-mouthed language in Bath, he did not impress sections of the home support. A group of Bath supporters called O'Gara over at full-time to complain about his swearing during the game.
O'Gara would comment on the confrontation in his post-match interview, saying he was in a "bubble" during the game but nonetheless apologising for his language.
They were giving out because our staff’s language wasn’t appropriate.
I was in my bubble, so if my language was off, I apologise. Sometimes you lose some control, but that was a tame night for me! I’m pretty happy. ‘We showed great character and resilience. The better team won.
The Corkman was somewhat frustrated with how his side took their foot off the gas in the second-half, but praised the younger players in the squad for standing up and getting La Rochelle over the line.
"Brilliant first-half, shocking second-half!" said O'Gara, "Character from the boys, we could have buckled. But some young fellas put up their hands and we've got a good team spirit. I think the better team won tonight."
Ronan O'Gara will now prepare his side for their first home game of the European campaign next weekend, as they play host to Bristol Bears. The Premiership side travel to La Rochelle next Saturday at 8pm.
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