Gloucester Rugby return to Heineken Champions Cup action this weekend against La Rochelle in the Round of 16.

Cherry & Whites wing, Louis Rees-Zammit, says the big game in France gives them the perfect opportunity to bounce back from defeat last time out.

“We’ve got to bounce back.

“Obviously it was tough last Friday away at Newcastle, and we didn’t put our best performance in at all, But we have a great opportunity this weekend to put that right.”

The Welshman says they’re not underestimating what La Rochelle will bring, but thinks the key to a result in France will be what punches they can land themselves.

“Everybody’s really looking forward to this game against the defending champions.

“They play very good rugby, but we’re focussing on ourselves and the game plan that we’re taking in and hopefully we can get the win.”

Rees-Zammit knows that like Kingsholm, Stade Marcel Deflandre can be an intimidating place to visit. But he says they’ll have to channel the hostility into positive energy and thrive off the environment if they want to get anything out of the game.

“The Champions Cup doesn’t take much to get up for it, especially out in La Rochelle.

“The fans are very hostile and get on top of you but we’re going to use that as our own energy and hopefully, we can go out there and put a good performance in.”

The 22-year-old says his side can take confidence from their pool stage victory in Bordeaux.

“We’ve already won in France this season and hopefully we can do that again this weekend

“That starts with this training week. We’ve had a good week so far and we’re aiming to take that into the game.”

After three losses on the bounce, Rees-Zammit says the squad are desperate to finish the season on a high, in their four remaining games.

“We have four games left this season, hopefully, more, but we want to go out there every week and put in good performances.’

You can see more about our hosts, La Rochelle, here.

For those making the journey to the Atlantic coast, you can find our La Rochelle Away Day Guide here.

"We're focussing on ourselves" says Louis Rees-Zammit

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