Ronan O'Gara has launched a scathing attack on his team and TV match officials after they lost again in the Top 14.
La Rochelle lost 28-17 to Lyon on Saturday, their eighth loss in 15 league games.
O'Gara's side currently sit ninth in the table, in what has been a frustrating season for the two-time Champions Cup winners.
Although they are only one point apart from the top six, the team has yet to find their rhythm for the 2023/24 season and the head coach is dissatisfied with the team's results.
TMO call
The Ireland legend was also furious at a decision that went against his team when prop Joel Sclabby was denied a try.
O'Gara was referring to last weekend's Six Nations match between Scotland and France, in which the hosts had a match-winning score set aside.
“Despite all the weaknesses we had, we couldn't help it. We saw the role of the TMO last week at Murrayfield,” he told reporters.
“So Joel Sclavie scores a try but doesn't get the call. For what? When shall I call him? When do I want to do it? And if I'm lucky, it goes to the away team. It will fall…”
However, O'Gara's main criticism was towards his players, who he felt had other things on their minds throughout the week.
“I saw how we practiced, so I can't be disappointed,” he said sarcastically. “This week, the players were more focused on real estate prices on Ile de Ré than on the field.”
“It depends on what you want in life. If you want to get rich with an apartment or a house, or get rich with medals. No, I'm not disappointed or surprised.”
La Rochelle's head coach didn't stop there, attacking his team for their performance against Lyon.
embarrassing and scary
“We weren't good at anything. No possession of the ball, no desire, no vision, no execution… It's a dark day for the club,” he added.
“It's too easy to say there were absentees. For me, that doesn't explain this horrible, almost disastrous performance.
“With all due respect to their club, Roux (Lyon) were 14-3 and dying in front of our eyes. We don't have the ability to finish this game. Seriously, this is exactly what happened. It reflects what happened during training.
“I'm not surprised, but I'm disappointed. The message doesn't get through. Young (Louis Keziah) Penburn and (Oscar) Jegou were the most efficient in terms of aggression. The rest…
“If I can present a solution with this, I'm a genius. This is not my vision of how to represent the club on a Saturday afternoon. We have never been a club that respects supporters and families… It's very It was shameful.”
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