Dillane claims first Top 14 try as Ronan O'Gara's La Rochelle hold off Clermont

It was a hard-fought first win in three Top 14 matches.

Sat, 21 Dec, 2024 - 22:00

James Harrington

Ultan Dillane scored his first try in his 61st match for Ronan O’Gara’s La Rochelle, as they held off a second-half Clermont fightback to win 20-15 and record a first win in three Top 14 matches, dating back to the beginning of November.

A single positive result on their return to domestic action means it is too early to suggest a successful Champions Cup break – the two-time champions beat Premiership rivals Bath and Bristol in their December outings to set up an intriguing battle of the unbeaten Pool 2 sides against Leinster in south-west France on January 7 – has changed La Rochelle’s stars this season.