La Rochelle Tops Bath 24-20 in Champions Cup

In a gripping Champions Cup opener, La Rochelle edged Bath 24-20 despite a second-half comeback from the home side. La Rochelle, the reigning champions, dominated the first half with three tries from Oscar Jegou, Reda Wardi, and Tawera Kerr-Barlow, establishing a 21-6 lead at the break. Bath, missing captain Ben Spencer, rallied after halftime, with tries from Tom Dunn and Quinn Roux, but fell short after failing to capitalize on key opportunities. Ihaia West's penalties proved crucial in maintaining La Rochelle's slim lead as Bath struggled to control the slippery ball in challenging conditions. The match showcased the strength of French packs, leaving Bath under pressure to secure wins in their remaining pool games. This encounter sets the stage for a competitive pool phase as teams vie for knockout spots.