So Close

Gloucs were at their very best as they fought valiantly  to keep their season alive against champions  La Rochelle - but it wasn't to be.  Leading into the last five minutes the passionate home crowd inspired La Rochelle to grab a late score to win 29-26.

The Cherry and Whites gave it a go throughout and their attacking prowess had the French backpedalling at times. 

It was level at the break with Chris Harris and Freddie Clarke going over for the visitors and they went into the lead in the second half courtesy of a try from Louis rees-Zammit and a brace of pens from Billy Twelvetrees.

But the lead was only four points and that late rally from La Rochelle saw Teddy Thomas go over to put his side into the last eight.

That was the performance we have been waiting for from Gloucs - if not the result.

George Skivington summed it up after the game when he told the media: "The boys were brave in the way they attacked the game, they made the right decisions and put pressure on them at the right times.

"Tonight we showed some proper grit and played smart rugby. I'm absolutely devastated for everybody, all the players, staff and Gloucester supporters, because I think we deserved to get through that round."