We came to target Barton, admits La Rochelle’s O’Gara

LA ROCHELLE'S head coach, the former Ireland star, Ronan O'Gara, revealed there had been a plan to target George Barton.

He said: “We were supposed to go after him but we didn't do that in the end. He had a good game but we wanted to make it much harder for him.

“There are some very good players in our team and we have a great mix and variety. There is a big emphasis in the northern hemisphere on the ruck but what I learned from my time at Crusaders was that you need to keep the ball alive.”

La Rochelle's director of rugby, Jono Gibbes, said: “We realised they weren't going to give up. We wanted freshness and class on the field for the last period to close it out.”

England head coach Eddie Jones was present, considering candidates for the summer tour to USA and Canada.

Gloucester head coach George Skivington said: “Lewis Ludlow must be on the radar as his performances have justified that. Ruan Ackermann is putting his hand up and he could have an eye on young Charlie Chapman.”