Ronan O’Gara was left counting the injury cost of La Rochelle’s card-heavy 26-15 defeat against 14-player Bayonne at San Sebastian’s Reale Arena a week ahead of the Challenge Cup round-of-16 outing against Prem side Newcastle Red Bulls. Fullback Davit Niniashvili had to be replaced late-on after he stayed on the floor following a bone-crunching tackle. Pierre Mignoni’s side head into their Champions Cup round-of-16 match against Stormers next weekend at Stade Mayol without a win since January. And the Top 14’s injury woes mounted when backrow Lewis Ludlam suffered a nasty-looking shoulder injury on the hour while diving over to score. Ben Tameifuna scored a 75th-minute try as Champions Cup holders Bordeaux warmed up for next weekend’s round-of-16 match against Prem side Leicester with a come-from-behind 21-17 win at Lyon.

Source: Irish Examiner March 28, 2026 22:21 UTC