ECPR Challenge Cup
Newcastle Red Bulls (8) 18
Tries: E. Obatoyinbo, McCallumCon: ConnonPens: Connon 2
La Rochelle (15) 26
Tries: West, Favre, Garault, CouillaudPens: Jurd 2
Newcastle Red Bulls were knocked out of the Challenge Cup by a late burst from much-changed La Rochelle.
The French giants, Champions Cup winners in 2022 and 2023, came through some awful weather conditions at Kingston Park to book a quarter-final trip to Ulster next weekend.
Three tries in 13 minutes in the first half through Ihaia West, Jules Favre and Gabin Garault put La Rochelle 12 points up.
But with Newcastle a man extra, scores from Elliott Obatoyinbo and Murray McCallum brought the game level at 15-15.
A Brett Connon penalty put the Red Bulls ahead before Diego Jurd kicked two of his own and then Nolhann Couillaud's try in the final minute ended a disappointing evening for the home side.
More to follow.
Newcastle Red Bulls: E Obatoyinbo; Wade, Hearle, Beeckmans, Spencer; Connon, Benitez Cruz; Brocklebank, McGuigan, Palframan, Hodgson, Clarke, Gordon, Christie, Leathebarrow.
Replacements: Adejimi, Rewcastle, McCallum, Lee-Warner, Parsons, Elliott, Healy, Cardall.
Sin-bin: Lee-Warner (57)
La Rochelle: West; Favre, Seuteni, Seguiret, Bosmorin; Jurd, Berjon; Penverne, Garault, Sorin, Lavault, Huchet, Richer, Andjisseramatchi, Waqanisarawi.
Replacements: Latu, Luaki, Sclavi, Kuntelia, Cancoriet, Kaddouri, Elissalde, Couillaud.
Sin-bin: West (38)
Referee: Eoghan Cross
