Pro14 glory was a bridge too far Springboks Dillyn Leyds and Raymond Rhule

The dynamic duo have earned trophies aplenty since embarking on their French foray at La Rochelle, but Saturday silverware eluded them in the Pro 14 final this weekend.

Fresh off their heroics in the Heineken Champions Cup final against Leinster, where they defended their European title in fine style, La Rochelle were favourites heading into the clash with perennial rivals Toulouse.

The tense contest was tied up 13-all at the break, but a try early in the second stanza gave La Rochelle the lead and momentum.

Leyds, Rhule and La Rochelle were just minutes away from glory, leading 26-22 in the dying embers of the game. But a moment of brilliance from French talisman Romain Ntamack, broke the defence line and La Rochelle’s hearts, as the flyhalf ran 60m for a spectacular solo try for the ages.

Incredibly, the win saw Toulouse celebrate their 22nd French domestic title.