"Forfeiting is an option": Ronan O'Gara's (La Rochelle) threat before Toulon

Unhappy with the rescheduling of the trip to Toulon for next Saturday (November 8, 4:30 pm), during the Top 14 break, Stade Rochelais manager Ronan O'Gara is hinting at the unlikely possibility of a complete forfeit. This is also, and perhaps more importantly, a way to rally his players before a crucial match that could propel La Rochelle back to the top of the standings.

Ronan O'Gara never appears in front of the microphones without saying something. While on Sunday evening he made a point of "congratulating" his staff and giving a "bravo" to his players for their bonus-point victory over Racing 92 (33-6) at the close of the 9th round of the Top 14, the La Rochelle manager also came to the press conference to express his strong disapproval of the rescheduling of the 3rd round match in Toulon to Saturday, November 8th, after it was postponed due to severe storms over Mayol on September 21st.

"It's a disaster because we have to go to Toulon again. We're the ones being punished," the Irishman fumed. " I don't know why there wasn't a pitch available a few weeks ago to play the next day. It's not our responsibility, but we're the ones who have to make the sacrifices. I'm going to ask the players when we get back to the locker room if we're going or if we're taking a vacation tomorrow (Monday)? Because Lyon conceded 50 at Mayol, Racing 45. Maybe it's better to just accept the defeat and take two weeks off like the other teams. I'm going to sound out my players."

Keeping a group focused

Pressed further on the possibility of withdrawing, "it's an option," said "ROG," who then quickly replied with a "no" and a broad smile when asked if he had discussed it with the club's management. Illusory for obvious reasons, the threat he brandished appears to be primarily a clever public relations ploy, as he knows so well how to use them, to rally his troops and avoid any risk of complacency at a time when La Rochelle's impressive run of form – three consecutive victories, entry into the Top 6, and the possibility of finishing the first block of matches at the top of the standings – is dominating the media.

"Will the players decide whether to go to Toulon? Yes. Because you can't go there without soldiers […] I think we have the momentum. I think we're capable of doing something in Toulon. I can also say that we might be able to get a point there. But if I talk like that, I'm a loser. And if I think we can win there, people will say I'm arrogant. So, what's the solution? Forfeit?"  The match against Racing had barely finished when the one in Toulon was already underway.