Donal Lenihan's Rugby World Cup diary: what a rope factory tells us about French rugby

The Irish Examiner columnist is heading north towards Ireland's next host city, Nantes.

OLD ROPE: Donal Lenihan at the historic, rebuilt factory in Rochefort. 

Donal Lenihan continues his journey through the heart of French rugby country as he makes his way to Ireland's next World Cup game on Saturday night. 

Today, Donal takes in an historic and impressive-looking rope factory in the town of Rochefort. And the story of the place tells us something of our tournament hosts and the game they love.    

"When the bells toll, you dare not lose on your home patch," Donal says.

"It's a tradition that goes back a long time and you can sense it when you come to areas like this."

It's next stop La Rochelle and -- who knows? -- a possible reunion with another Munster legend. 

You can hear Donal and Ronan O'Gara's expound on their thoughts after the first few games at a special Irish Examiner event in Cork on Friday, September 29th.