Newcastle Red Bulls: Stephen Jones excited for La Rochelle tie

The French giants find themselves in the secondary competition, having only finished fifth in their Champions Cup pool.

A shock home loss to struggling Harlequins in their last pool game means it is a trip to Kingston Park in this last-16 tie.

Coached by former Ireland star Ronan O’Gara, La Rochelle are only ninth in the Top 14, having lost more games than they have won, and are missing key players, including Australia lock Will Skelton and France scrum-half Nolann Le Garrec.

Newcastle, who placed second in their pool, have lost 11 of their 12 Premiership games this season and sit bottom. But they have won three out of four in Europe, including victories over French sides Lyon and Perpignan.

They were convincingly beaten by Exeter Chiefs seven days ago, but the occasion was marked by a brilliant try from Christian Wade – his first in the top flight in Newcastle colours.

It moved the 34-year-old within seven tries of Chris Ashton’s record of 101 in the competition and proved to Jones what the winger can still do.

“It was a special moment,” said Welshman Jones.

“Christian had no right to score that try. His finish was world class. He had four defenders to beat to score.

“If we can free our back three players and get the ball to them earlier and let them show what talents they’ve got, we can back them up and play some front-foot rugby.”