Gregory Alldritt sends warning to Racing 92

Hard-running France and La Rochelle number 8 Gregory Alldritt has warned Racing 92 that he and his troops are more than up for the challenge when the sides lock horns in this weekend’s Champions Cup semi-final at Stade Bollaert-Delelis. 

La Rochelle are eager to rid themselves of the painful memory of last year’s 2021-22's when they were despatched by current champions Toulouse, and this weekend’s obstacle of Racing 92 must be brushed aside if Alldritt and co. are to properly move on. 

“Last year we missed out and we still have a bitter taste in our mouths,” Alldritt said. “We want to get rid of it, so we are more motivated than ever. 

“There are great players who have left us, like Keke (Kevin Gourdon, forced to quit during the season), Victor (Vito), and Jérémy Sinzelle, who is going to leave. We want to end on a high note for these guys.” 

Alldritt then commented on what contesting the semi-final means to them. 

“It’s great for the club,” he said. “As we often repeat among ourselves, it is not normal to be in the semi-finals of the Champions Cup. It’s huge, especially for a club who are only playing in it for the fourth time. 

“We have to realise what we are doing. Ronan (O’Gara, the head coach) told us that we have won the first of the three finals – now we have two left.”