Atonio believes he should not have been sent off against Toulouse and that his team had the upper hand

This defeat remains stuck in the craw of Stade Rochelais. After two European titles in 2022 and 2023, the Maritimes had a blank season last year. In the Top 14, they narrowly fell to Stade Toulousain in the semi-final. While they were leading against their bête noire in an undecided match, the Rochelais sinned again by their indiscipline. Uini Atonio was first sent off for a dangerous tackle on Thibaud Flament before Reda Wardi imitated him for a bad hit on Julien Marchand. For his return against Section Paloise, the right pillar was questioned about this moment.

“I’m sure we could have made it to the final”

In remarks reported by Rugbyramahe detailed his feelings at length. He first believes that the expulsion is unfair and that Stade Rochelais could have won without this incident: “It was tough. When you dominate so much and given our match and the moment of the match when I came off… We were still ahead and we were getting the upper hand on Toulouse… I was surprised to get that red card and by the referee’s decision. As much against Ireland (2023 Six Nations Tournament), when I tackled, it was shoulder-head… For me, it wasn’t a red card. It took me two, three weeks before accepting that he was the referee and me the player. I was disgusted for the rest of the team. Disgusted with myself. We dominated Toulouse for 48 minutes. It changed the match. I think the Toulouse players were happy that we got the other red card with Reda (Wardi) otherwise I’m sure we could have gone through to the final.” Words that could provoke a reaction. In any case, Stade Rochelais will have to focus on staying at 15, a week after losing to Toulouse in the Top 14, after another numerical inferiority in the second half.

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