Leo Cullen isn't expecting much support from the Cork public on Saturday when his Leinster side face off against La Rochelle in the Champions Cup quarter-final.
The intense rivalry between Leinster and Munster would have been enough for Cork people to back against Cullen's team, but throw in the fact that Ronan O'Gara is the head coach of La Rochelle and they have an extra reason to support the French side.
O'Gara spent much of the week with his team in his home city, where they trained at Cork Constitution and enjoyed some trad sessions in some of the city's most popular spots.
The Cork public have really taken to their guests and speaking ahead of the game, Cullen recognised that it would be a tough task to convince any Irish person outside Leinster to support the province.
Leo Cullen on the "Cork mafia"
"There seems to be a bit of a Cork bandwagon,” he said. “The mafia have jumped on to the bandwagon along with La Rochelle.
"Yeah, it’s great, isn’t it? That’s what sport needs and I’m glad that we’re a part of it. For us, we’re the only Irish team left in the competition and you’d love if all of Ireland got behind you.
“But that’s not the way it works, as we know. But we’re the last man standing of the Irish provinces. The Bulls and ourselves are the last two teams from the URC in the competition. So, we’re representing the competition that we play in.”
"They like us more up there than the Leinster boys!" 🤣
La Rochelle prop Uini Atonio got the feeling that people of Cork are very much behind his side ahead of the game against Leinster 👀 pic.twitter.com/l3VF5et9Sl— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) April 12, 2024
Uini Atonio feels the backing of the Cork public
Having enjoyed the Cork support over the past few days, La Rochelle prop Uini Atonio is fully in agreement with Cullen, claiming that "they like us more than the Leinster boys" at his own pre-match press conference.
"The boys had a look around town," he added. "Brunches, lunches, dinners. It's good to get that Irish atmosphere."
Despite all this, Leinster will have the backing of their own at the Aviva on Saturday, when the two sides battle it out for a place in the last four.
See Also: Ronan O'Gara Opens Up On Why La Rochelle's Cork Trip Was A Special Experience For Him
