British & Irish Lions teammates Ross Moriarty and Greg Laidlaw both played in Gloucester’s 17-25 defeat to Stade Francais in the Challenge Cup final.
Moriarty started for the Cherry and Whites, scoring a late consolation try on a disappointing night for his side against a powerful French outfit.
Laidlaw was bowing out as a Gloucester player before his move to Clermont next season and was met with a rapturous applause upon his appearance in the second half at BT Murrayfield.
MORIARTY SHINES DESPITE LOSS
It was a huge effort by the 23-year-old Welsh international in difficult conditions against a bruising Stade side.
But the flanker was still able to show off exactly why he’s on the plane to New Zealand, collecting well from line-outs and producing huge tackles to thwart the rampaging Stade attack.
TRY! Moriarty is over. Burns converts.
17-25 with 2 minutes left. pic.twitter.com/ZFMN7EQ8OM
— Gloucester Rugby (@gloucesterrugby) May 12, 2017
His night did round off on a high note with a late try to give Gloucester some consolation as he powered over the line.
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LAIDLAW BOWS OUT AT GLOUCESTER
It was an emotional night for the Scotsman as he played on familiar ground. He came on just after half-time to replace captain Will Heinz.
And just days after receiving a late call-up to the Lions squad, Laidlaw was proving his worth almost immediately.
A fabulous kick was almost picked up by Tom Marshall in what was a rare attack for the English side.
The 31-year-old then produced some neat passing that helped set up Lions teammate Moriarty to go over the line for a late try.
After the match, Laidlaw said: “It was a frustrating night. We could not get any territory or field in the match. I’ve really enjoyed my time at Gloucester and it’s a shame we couldn’t get the win.”
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