La Rochelle stun Leinster 24-21 wins the Heineken Champions Cup for the first time 2022 title winners..
Heineken Champions Cup final: Leinster v La Rochelle
Leinster (12) 21
Pens: Sexton 6, R Byrne
La Rochelle (7) 24
Tries: Rhule, Bourgarit, Retiere Cons: West 3 Pens: West
- La Rochelle won the Champions Cup for the first time in dramatic style, defeating Leinster 24-21 thanks to a 79th-minute touchdown by Arthur Retiere.
In Marseille, Leinster had to put up a valiant fight in the closing moments, but their defence was eventually overcome as Retiere stretched to touch down.
They had led for the whole of the game owing to six penalties from Johnny Sexton and one from Ross Byrne.
La Rochelle's other attempts came from Raymond Rhule and Pierre Bourgarit.
La Rochelle won its first major trophy with the victory, becoming the 13th team to win the Champions Cup and the fourth from France.
- Last season, the French side overcame Leinster in the semi-finals but fell to Toulouse in the final.
- The Irish province, on the other hand, were frustrated in their attempt to match Toulouse's record of five triumphs in Europe's top club championship.
- Leinster dominated the early stages and were rewarded with two Sexton penalties in the first nine minutes, the French side being penalised for indiscipline, first for hands in the ruck and then for offside.
La Rochelle stretched their opponents by attacking from all sides, but they struggled to maintain their composure as they moved on the line.
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bbc sports
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