More pain for Ulster as La Rochelle win late on

Both sides had to contend with a strong wind and heavy rain

Ulster suffered another hugely deflating last-gasp defeat as holders La Rochelle scored a converted try with the final play of the game to win the European Champions Cup tie 7-3.

However, there was heartbreak for Dan McFarland's men as Joel Sclavi crossed in the 80th minute for the hosts.

Under-pressure Ulster have now lost six of their last seven matches.

Both sides played out a fierce battle in extremely challenging conditions with a strong wind and lashing rain throughout at the Stade Marcel-Deflandre stadium.

Ulster worked tirelessly in defence for the last 15 minutes to keep out the holders, but their decision to kick for touch from a late penalty proved pivotal as it led to a drive from the forwards that set up prop Sclavi to score from close range.

It was a cruel on McFarland's side, sporting eight changes from last week's United Rugby Championship defeat by Benetton, after the amount of effort they put in to grabbing then defending their slender lead.

Ulster: Lowry, Lyttle, Moore, Marshall, Stockdale, Madigan, Doak; Rory Sutherland, Herring, Toomaga-Allen, Alan O'Connor, Treadwell, Henderson (capt), Timoney, Vermeulen.

Replacements: Andrew, O'Sullivan, Warwick, Sheridan, McCann, McDonald, Burns, McIlroy.

La Rochelle: Paiva, Lagrange, Colombe Reazel, Dillane, Picquette, Bourdeau, Boudehent; Alldritt, (capt), Berjoni, Hastoy, Boudehent, Favre, Seuteni, Thomas, Dulin.

Replacements: Lespiaucq, Wardi, Sclavi, Sazy, Hatherell, Kerr-Barlow, Popelin, Rhule.

More to follow.