O'Gara: Lens switch 'shameful and unacceptable'

La Rochelle boss Ronan O'Gara says it's "shameful and unacceptable" that La Rochelle's Heineken Champions Cup semi-final has been moved from Paris.

Beaten finalists last season, La Rochelle take on Racing 92, whose stadium, Paris La Defense Arena, is unavailable due to a concert.

The match has been fixed for Stade Bollaert-Delelis in Lens on Sunday at 3pm.

"The stands will be a bit empty," said the former Munster and Ireland out-half.

"That is shameful and unacceptable. I spare a though for our supporters who must travel seven hours by road in order to support their team, because there are few flights to go to Lens.

"I know that because my wife tried to find one, but she failed.

"Setting that aside, I remain focused on the match this weekend which presents a great opportunity for us to pave the way to write a new page of history for the club and break new ground."

Neither Stade Rochelais, also beaten by Toulouse in last season's Top 14 final, or Racing 92 have ever won the tournament but O'Gara believes his team have matured.

"After three seasons at La Rochelle I have seen this team evolve," said O'Gara, whose side beat Leinster in last year's semi-final.

"We have reached two finals and three semi-finals in four campaigns thus evidently we have accrued experience.

"I feel the squad has matured with regard to how to approach these big knockout matches.

"We are well-armed now and it is a real pleasure to work with these players. As I said they are more mature but also more united and above all well aware of their strengths and weaknesses.

"We have today amazing leaders who are capable clearly of going further in this competition. I have a lot of pride in this squad.

"We lost in the final last year but the past does not interest me