Last season was a forgettable chapter for La Rochelle and coach Ronan O’Gara as they missed the Top 14 playoffs for the first time since 2018 and faced a shocking exit in the Champions Cup at the hands of Munster. Despite recent stumbles, La Rochelle remains a powerhouse in European rugby, consistently discussed as contenders for the Top 14 and Champions Cup titles. This year, they're poised to shake off last season's anomalies and come back stronger.
Grégory Alldritt, La Rochelle's formidable number eight, expressed the team's determination to reclaim their esteemed status. “
“I think we need to make them proud again. We need to go on the pitch and earn the respect we used to have. We don’t have it anymore.”
Alldritt emphasized the importance of leaving everything on the field to regain the supporters' pride and respect.
Their first real test will come against Bordeaux-Bègles, the current Champions Cup holders, in an away game on September 6. This season offers a unique opportunity for a fresh start, thanks to a longer pre-season enabled by their early exit last year. “
“We had a great year with two titles, two Champions Cup titles, and we were a bit surfing on this. And we needed a reset, and I think it’s what happened at the end of the past season. So now we are starting a new base.”
Alldritt is optimistic that this foundational reset underpins a promising season ahead.
Alongside his club commitments, Alldritt continues to shine on the international stage, having been named the captain of the French national team last season. Despite his diverse family heritage offering him a choice between representing France or Scotland, Alldritt feels a deeper connection to France. He shared, “To be honest, I’m not feeling Irish enough to play for them. I’ve got lots of respect for this team. I love this team and this country, but if I had a choice to make, it would have been between Scotland and France. But I couldn’t play for Scotland because neither of my grandparents’ parents were born over there.”
Alldritt also discussed the role his family and particularly his brothers play in his rugby career, offering insights and support. As he faces the challenges of being a captain for both club and country, he acknowledges the infusion of new talent in La Rochelle’s ranks. The young players are pushing the standards higher, seizing their opportunities to shine. “They’re going to push us to be better on the pitch, and when they’re going to play, they’re going to take the opportunity as well,” said Alldritt, highlighting the importance of youth involvement in the team’s dynamics.
As La Rochelle looks to rebound from last season’s disappointments, the blend of seasoned leaders like Alldritt and emerging talents could be the formula that returns them to the pinnacle of European rugby.
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Last season was a forgettable chapter for La Rochelle and coach Ronan O’Gara as they missed the Top 14 playoffs for the first time since 2018 and faced a shocking exit in the Champions Cup at the hands of Munster. Despite recent stumbles, La Rochelle remains a powerhouse in European rugby, consistently discussed as contenders for the Top 14 and Champions Cup titles. This year, they're poised to shake off last season's anomalies and come back stronger.
Grégory Alldritt, La Rochelle's formidable number eight, expressed the team's determination to reclaim their esteemed status. “
“I think we need to make them proud again. We need to go on the pitch and earn the respect we used to have. We don’t have it anymore.”
Alldritt emphasized the importance of leaving everything on the field to regain the supporters' pride and respect.Their first real test will come against Bordeaux-Bègles, the current Champions Cup holders, in an away game on September 6. This season offers a unique opportunity for a fresh start, thanks to a longer pre-season enabled by their early exit last year. “
“We had a great year with two titles, two Champions Cup titles, and we were a bit surfing on this. And we needed a reset, and I think it’s what happened at the end of the past season. So now we are starting a new base.”
Alldritt is optimistic that this foundational reset underpins a promising season ahead.Alongside his club commitments, Alldritt continues to shine on the international stage, having been named the captain of the French national team last season. Despite his diverse family heritage offering him a choice between representing France or Scotland, Alldritt feels a deeper connection to France. He shared, “To be honest, I’m not feeling Irish enough to play for them. I’ve got lots of respect for this team. I love this team and this country, but if I had a choice to make, it would have been between Scotland and France. But I couldn’t play for Scotland because neither of my grandparents’ parents were born over there.”
Alldritt also discussed the role his family and particularly his brothers play in his rugby career, offering insights and support. As he faces the challenges of being a captain for both club and country, he acknowledges the infusion of new talent in La Rochelle’s ranks. The young players are pushing the standards higher, seizing their opportunities to shine. “They’re going to push us to be better on the pitch, and when they’re going to play, they’re going to take the opportunity as well,” said Alldritt, highlighting the importance of youth involvement in the team’s dynamics.
As La Rochelle looks to rebound from last season’s disappointments, the blend of seasoned leaders like Alldritt and emerging talents could be the formula that returns them to the pinnacle of European rugby.