Boudehent on La Rochelle’s feat in the Champions Cup: “We don’t let go of a final”

For the first time in three Champions Cup finals, third-line wing Paul Boudehent started on Saturday against Leinster. The first time, against Toulouse (17-22 defeat in 2021), he entered on the hour mark in place of Kévin Gourdon, before leaving a minute later, victim of a dislocated shoulder. And last season, he was not on the sheet of the 23 players crowned European champion in Marseille against this same Leinster (24-21). This time, history smiled on him.

“How do you feel after the staggering and incredible scenario of this final?
I still have a hard time realizing it. Imagine, Leinster were leading 17-0 in the twelfth minute of the game… At that time, it was really complicated for us, but it was a final, so it was inconceivable for us to give up. We were more in the spirit of giving everything until the end so as not to regret anything.

How did you manage to come back in this game?
I believe that the experience of the Marseille final a year ago served us well. There, we also managed to get back into the game after being behind. We knew that even at home, they were catchable. And then, I repeat, we do not let go of a final in the twelfth minute.

Do you think you were really going to overthrow Leinster in the 66th minute when you were replaced by Ultan Dillane?
Yes, I believed it. Plus, I go out and we score right after (Colombe, at the 72nd). It was written (laughs) !

Here you are, double European champion, after a final where you started…
Yes, it is obviously complicated to achieve. I don’t quite realize yet the scope of this exploit. No doubt we’ll do better when we get back to La Rochelle. My parents are there at the moment and they told me that the atmosphere on the port there was extraordinary. I can’t wait to find our supporters.

The third-line wing Paul Boudehent started on Saturday against Leinster. (L.Geczo/Sports Press)

Will this new trophy give you the strength to go after the Shield of Brennus, the only trophy you are missing now?
It’s not really in the spirit of this group to congratulate themselves, but we know that the season is not over and that there is still something to look for. What happened today is really huge, but we always want more. We will do everything to achieve the double.

Where does this broken voice with which you answer us come from?
It’s in the locker room. We just had two or three rounds of karaoke that wore out our vocal cords (smile). »