La Rochelle boss Ronan O’Gara apologises for using strong language after Irish icon was confronted by angry Bath fans following his side’s 24-20 Champions Cup win

Ronan O’Gara apologised for any offence caused by his strong language after he was confronted by angry Bath fans at the end of this Champions Cup clash. 

The former Ireland fly-half, now in charge of French giants La Rochelle, regularly shouted and swore in both English and French throughout the game. It clearly irritated some home fans, two or three of whom spoke to O’Gara at the final whistle to express their disappointment at his strong words. 

One said: ‘Swearing shows a lack of intelligence.’ 

O’Gara brushed off the complaints at the time, but said: ‘They (Bath fans) were giving out because our staff’s language wasn’t appropriate. 

‘I was in my bubble, so if my language was off, I apologise. Sometimes you lose some control, but that was a tame night for me! I’m pretty happy. ‘We showed great character and resilience. The better team won.’ 

Driving rain meant this European opener was never going to be about attacking rugby. You feared for Bath without the kicking and game management of captain and England scrum-half Ben Spencer, who was a late withdrawal due to a hamstring injury. 

O’Gara’s La Rochelle beat bath in their opening Champions Cup match on Friday night 

La Rochelle’s monstrous pack also suited the conditions to a tee. And so, it proved. O’Gara’s team played it perfectly in the first half, using their power to lead 21-6 at the break. It was an advantage they just about held on to. 

Oscar Jegou and Reda Wardi scored forward-dominated tries. Scrum-half Tawera Kerr-Barlow then dived over. Bath could only muster two Finn Russell penalties. Tom Dunn got Bath back on the comeback trail and Quinn Roux narrowed the gap further, but La Rochelle kept their opponents at arm’s distance. 

Bath head of rugby Johann van Graan said: ‘Rugby is an 80-minute game. We came up against a really good side and left a few chances out there.’