Latest news with #LaRochelle
Irish Examiner
2 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Ronan O'Gara and La Rochelle tighten grip on Top 14 play-off berth
Ronan O'Gara's La Rochelle gave themselves every chance of qualifying for the Top 14 play-offs with a bonus-point five-try 38-15 win over struggling Perpignan at Stade Marcel Deflandre. But their fifth victory in a row, ensuring they head into the final round of the regular season in sixth place – came at a price. Captain Gregory Alldritt and fellow backrow Patrick Sobela are early doubts for next weekend's trip to Pau after picking up knee injuries, the former in a clash with international team-mate Posolo Tuilagi. Tawera Kerr-Barlow scored at either end of the first half to record his fifth – and, most likely, final – brace for La Rochelle on what could be his final appearance in front of the Marcel Deflandre stands. Both he and fullback Brice Dulin, who retires at the end of the season, received a standing ovation when they left the pitch together five minutes from time. The Rochelais could claim fourth place, and a home barrage, if they win at Pau next week, and both Bayonne and Castres lose. But the hosts' indiscipline meant Perpignan were able to stay in touch in the first half, thanks to the boot of Tomasso Allan, who slotted four of five penalties before the break, and another almost immediately after the restart. That would be the last time they troubled the scoreboard as La Rochelle kicked on, scoring through Pierre Bourgarit, Thierry Paiva and Dillyn Leyds in the final half hour to settle the game – and just about see the 105-day winless streak earlier this year disappear in the rearview mirror. 'We're a great group of guys,' coach Donnacha Ryan told journalists afterwards, acknowledging the side's dismal run earlier in the season. 'The key for the staff was to stay honest, to always give the guys a clear message, to reinforce their level of quality, too. 'There were a lot of very honest discussions, particularly about the quality of our sessions. We tested ourselves and, fortunately, we were able to turn the page.' Pau could finish level on points with La Rochelle, if they pick up a bonus-point win at home next Saturday. This week, centre Emilien Gailleton scored twice as Sebastien Picqueronies' side all-but condemned Vannes to the ProD2 next season, scoring seven tries to their hosts' four in a 26-52 win at Stade de la Rabine. Those two results were a major relief for Stade Francais, who had earlier collapsed almost quickly enough to form a black hole at Clermont. Paul Gustard's side led 6-17 at halftime, and what would have been a first-ever Top 14 win at Stade Marcel Michelin seemed possible, even plausible. It was 20-20 just after the hour, so they were still very much in the reckoning. And it finished 55-20. For Clermont, the apparently not entirely evergreen Benjamin Urdapilleta – in his final match in front of the home fans before he retires, overtook Brock James to become the leading points-scorer in the Top 14. His 15 points off the tee took him to 2,499, eight ahead of the ex-Clermont and La Rochelle star. Those results mean no positional or league points changes for the bottom three. But the Breton side, in particular, now need an unlikely win at Bordeaux next weekend, and for other results to go their way. Perpignan, four points ahead in 13th, host Toulouse at Stade Aime Giral, while 12th-placed Stade Francais have a precious one-point cushion over the Catalans as they prepare to entertain play-off–chasing Castres. For the first time since they returned to the Top 14 in 2009, Racing 92 – first-ever winners of the Bouclier de Brennus, back in 1892 – will not feature in the post-season play-offs. Their chances were slim at the start of their match against Montpellier at La Defense Arena. Their 25-27 defeat – settled by a 79th-minute Anthony Bouthier penalty – shut the door on any hopes entirely. One-club player Henry Chavancy, in his final home match for Racing, had opened the scoring with a well-taken try in the second minute. But, despite Montpellier captain Billy Vunipola seeing red for a croc-roll just before halftime, the hosts were unable to make their numerical advantage count. Fifth-placed Castres closed the gap on Bayonne, in fourth, to a single point, with a 33-3 bonus-point win over the Basque side at Stade Pierre Fabre. Leaders Toulouse – already certain of a pass to the semi-finals – host Lyon at Stade Ernest Wallon on Sunday in a match moved from Saturday night to avoid clashing with the Champions League final in Munich; while third-place Toulon have second place in their sights when they host newly crowned Champions Cup winners Bordeaux – without most of their Cardiff heroes.
BBC News
6 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Business Daily Can Europe build a mineral supply chain?
China's headstart in market dominance is significant, and its grip on critical mineral supply chains remains tight. The question now is whether other governments can move fast enough — and smart enough — to build something more secure, more sustainable, and less dependent. We head to La Rochelle in western France for a rare look inside one of the world's biggest rare earth processing plants, and find out what it reveals about Europe's efforts to build a supply chain of its own. Presenter: Jonathan Josephs Producer: Matt Lines (Image: A rare earth processing plant in La Rochelle, France, owned by chemicals giant Solvay)
Telegraph
6 days ago
- Business
- Telegraph
The most affordable holidays in France this summer
Creamy brie smeared on a crusty baguette, crisp local wines sipped in a sun-dappled square and Alpine wildflower meadows to roam – our love affair with French holidays shows no signs of fading. A recent poll by Ink Digital may have ranked our neighbour across the Channel as the second least-affordable half-term destination worldwide, but we've got you covered. We've sourced 15 affordable escapes – from beach holidays and mountain retreats to city breaks and luxury for less – that offer value without draining your savings or cutting corners on quality. What's more, they've all still got availability remaining this year. Remember, affordable doesn't mean cheap; it means sourcing smart alternatives. For example, a seaside apartment in the Languedoc can offer the same sun and sea as the Riviera at a fraction of the cost, and smaller cities like Carcassonne or La Rochelle offer similar cultural depth to Paris, without the inflated price tag. Plus, it's so close that those conscious of their carbon footprint can swap planes for trains and ferries. Find the perfect break for you: Beaches Mountains Families/groups Luxury for less City breaks Beach Charente Maritime Charente Maritime, on the west coast of France, is a little-known alternative to the Cote d'Azur – it's far enough south to rival the Mediterranean coast for sunshine in the summer, and its beaches are big and sandy. Its capital is La Rochelle, but day trips to the seaside villages of Royan, Cognac and La Tremblade – world famous for its oysters and mussels – are a must. A seafood platter here costs around €24 in comparison to €40 to €100 around Nice. How to do it Siblu (020 8610 0186) offers a week in a two-bedroom self-catering holiday home at Les Charmettes sleeping four people from £1,121 total, departing August 16. Ferries from Portsmouth to Caen start from £831 return with Brittany Ferries. Corsica Don't overlook Corsica, the Mediterranean's French-owned island with more than 200 beaches. For the last few years, August has been a quiet month and travellers can benefit from prices lowered to lure them back. Pick up picnic supplies at the rustic L'Île-Rousse market, then laze on nearby Calvi Beach, or head south to seek out the iconic horseshoe bay at Palombaggia, the Instagram-worthy pontoon posted on the turquoise waters of Santa Giulia Beach, or to pretty pine forest-backed Pinarello Beach. How to do it Corsican Places (01489 866931) offers seven nights at L'Ancre Bleue, a four-bedroom villa with a private pool and panoramic bay views from £699 per person, based on eight sharing in June, including flights and car hire. Easyjet fly direct from Gatwick to Figari from £105 return. Cote d'Azur Prefer to be on the soles of your feet, instead of sunbathing? Why not walk the glistening Cote d'Azur coastline? Home to glitzy Monaco and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, this stretch of southern France is notoriously expensive, but this self-guided walking tour, which flows at a sedate pace, comes in well below the usual £1,000 holiday budget. Enjoy views of pastel-coloured mansions tumbling down to beaches, citrus tree-scented air and long seafood lunches. How to do it KE Adventure (01768 773 966) offers the seven-day Walking Menton to Nice trip from March to December from £785 per person, including accommodation, some meals, self-guided information pack, luggage transfers, but excluding flights. Mountains Clarée Valley The French Alps aren't just for snow bunnies with deep pockets. Come summer, think: wildflower meadows, larch forests and cooling glacial lakes. Most holidaymakers invariably head to the Alpine honeypots of Chamonix and Lake Annecy, but opt instead for the Clarée Valley, a well-kept secret near the Italian border that was saved from over-development by a local farmer's daughter. Follow its walking trails with an experienced guide and support family-run hotels to find the best value in this affordable alternative. How to do it Mountain Kingdoms (01453 844 400) offers an eight-day guided Clarée Valley walking holiday from £2,070 per person, including, accommodation, meals and flights. Departing July 6, August 17 and October 12. Morzine Seeking complete seclusion? Golèse Refuge is a new remote mountain hut couched between the Giffre and Manche valleys, based at 1,660 metres and completely unreachable by car. A 1.5-hour hike from the town of Chardonnière, it sits amid sweeping mountain pastures and is the ideal starting point for exploring the surrounding peaks of Bostan, the Dents Blanches, or even the Dents du Midi and Mont Blanc. Refuel in its snug rustic restaurant, dishing up regional Savoyards specialities. How to do it A four-night stay at Golèse Refuge (0033 450 9059 53) in a private room, half board, costs from £244 per person. Easyjet fly from London Gatwick to Geneva from £57 return. Families/groups Mercantour National Park Want to walk but have young ones that lack enthusiasm – bring a donkey! This self-guided family walking tour, suitable for children aged five and above, explores the undiscovered Mercantour National Park and equips you with a well-cared-for donkey to carry your bags and keep morale high. Staying in a mix of ecolodges, yurts, hotels and mountain inns, you'll follow old postman trails between hamlets, with time for picnics and four-legged cuddles. How to do it Responsible Travel (01273 823 700) offers the self-guided six-day Mercantour Family Walking Holiday from £589 per person, including full board accommodation, but excluding flights, departing mid-May to mid-September. British Airways fly direct from London Heathrow to Nice from £189 return. Canal du Midi Bundling everyone onto a boat often works out far cheaper than purchasing multiple hotel rooms. Try the Canal du Midi, a 150-mile-long Unesco-listed 17th-century waterway that threads through the vineyards, medieval towns and canal-side villages of the Languedoc region. With no experience required, families and groups can hire their own boat and pootle along (dog in tow too) stopping for wine tastings at Château de Ventenac, swimming at Jouarres Lake near Homps, strolling through Carcassonne's medieval citadel or for go-karting and mini-golf in Vias. How to do it Le Boat (020 3993 1218) offers a seven-night self-catered stay on board Caprice, sleeping up to six people, starting and ending in Port Cassafières, from £209 per person, departing October 16. Ryanair fly from London Stanstead to Béziers from £57 return. Luberon If you're seeking something for a special occasion, why not hire an entire hamlet? Located in Luberon, 40km north of Aix-en-Provence, Le Grand Banc is a secluded hamlet with 10 houses (sleeping up to 24) set along a private cobbled street. Each home sleeps between two and five people, is individually styled with art and sculptures and offers idyllic views. All guests dine together around the huge outside marble table, there's a saltwater pool, table tennis, pétanque, and e-bikes available to hire. Perhaps a little pricey per head, but a bargain when you have the whole village to yourself. How to do it Scott Williams (01749 812721) offers a seven-night stay at Le Grand Banc from £750 per person based on 24 sharing, including a cook to prepare meals and daily maid service. Ryanair flies from London Stansted to Marseilles from £109 return, or travel by TGV to Avignon (1hr30 away). Luxury for less Carcassonne For a guilt-free dose of indulgence, book La Belle Eco – a bewitching 19th-century manor with nine rooms just outside Unesco-listed Carcassonne, that combines Art Deco sophistication with eco-friendly refurbishments such as solar panels, a secret organic garden and a naturally purified swimming pool. How to do it La Belle offer a two-night stay at La Belle Eco from €380 based on two sharing a luxury double room with breakfast. Ryanair flies from London Stansted to Carcassonne from £100 return. Villeréal Live out your Marie Antoinette fantasies at Château Majestic, an 18th-century moat-encircled stone mansion set in 10 hectares of private gardens just five minutes from Villeréal, one of France's most beautiful villages, famed for its food markets. Sleeping up to 14 people beneath its soaring ceilings, it flaunts its own herb garden, hammocks, private gym and heated swimming pool. How to do it CV Villas (020 3993 4088) offer seven nights at Chateau Majestic from £664 per person, including return flights from London based on full occupancy. Lot Valley Set near the Midi-Pyrenees region of Southern France, the deeply rural vineyard-studded Lot Valley only reached the British holiday radars in the last decade and is a top pick for affordable stone villas with pools. Try Le Saltrou near Floressas, which sleeps four in the main building and has a separate garden suite for two (ideal for grandparents or teenagers), plus a garden-framed pool. It's 45 minutes from the historical and art-rich Cahors and its Unesco-listed Valentré Bridge. How to do it Vintage Travel (01954 261 431) offers a week's stay at Le Saltrou from £468 per person, based on six sharing and including return flights from Gatwick to Bergerac and car hire, departing August 30. City breaks Nice The second capital of the Cote d'Azur is known for its city beach, warren-like Old Town, Matisse and Marc Chagall museums, plus it's just a 30-minute drive from Calanques – one of France's newest national parks, home to secluded beaches and hidden coves for snorkelling. Find high design at hostel prices at hip chain Mama Shelter, located in Nice's central Cours Julien district. Suitable for singles, couples and families, perks include free in-room movies, live music sessions and giant table football. How to do it Mama Shelter Nice (0033 428 9511 95) offers a Large Mama Family room with a lounge for four people from £272 per night. Ryanair fly from London Stanstead to Marseille from £97 return. Northern cities If you want to do it all, this whirlwind tour of France's standout northern cities has you covered. Kicking off and ending in Paris, there's time for a fresh croissant and a visit to the Mona Lisa, before winding to Normandy's Mont Saint-Michel, the D-Day landing beaches and the Bayeux tapestry. Then move onto Reims for a city tour toasted with a flute or two of champagne from the surrounding vineyards. How to do it Contiki (0808 281 1120) offers the seven-day France in a Week guided tour from £921 per person, including accommodation, some meals, but not international travel. Departures in June and August. Eurostar runs from London Kings Cross to Paris Gard du Nord from £167 return. Paris Finding an affordable bed in the City of Love isn't for the faint of heart. A solution might be Generator Paris, a hostel/hotel designed like a Parisian art-house movie, right in the heart of the 10th Arrondissement and just a 15-minute walk from Eurostar's Gare du Nord. Ideal for friends and families, it's surrounded by hip art galleries and cafés, plus its rooftop cocktail bar has Moulin Rouge -worthy views of Montmartre. How to do it Generator Paris (0033 170 9884 13) offers a five-night stay in an ensuite Deluxe King from £607 per room – use code 20STAY until July 31 for 20 per cent of stays of four nights or more. Eurostar runs from London Kings Cross to Paris Gard du Nord from £167 return. Lyon For bon vivants, Lyon steals the chef's cap from Paris thanks to its distinctive bouchons dishing up local and affordable specialities such as andouillette, quenelles (dumplings) and bugnes (sweet fritters). Foodies will be right at home in the new Cour des Loges, a historic hotel with a gastronomic restaurant led by chef Anthony Bonnet that's competitively priced for its location in the heart of the historic Old Town. June also marks the Lyon Street Food Festival (25 to 29), so prepare to let your belt out a notch… or three. How to do it Cours des Loges offers double rooms from £281 per night, B&B. Easyjet ( fly from London Luton to Lyon-Saint Exupéry from £78 return.
Irish Times
27-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Times
Gerry Thornley: Leinster still most likely disruptors to undisputed era of the French
It has been forecast before, and has proven premature, but this is it then. We're in the very midst of it now. The era of the French. Top 14 clubs are now dominating European rugby like never before and beating them to the trophy has never looked more difficult. Of course there have always been, and always will be, different cycles. Nothing lasts forever. Northampton's 9-8 win over Munster in 2000 heralded a run of four English winners in a period of five seasons. From 2006 to 2012, there were five Irish champions in seven years. Ah, blissful times! Alas, only one in the last 13 years. From 2013 to 2015 there was that Toulon three-in-a-row as they hit the tournament like a tornado, before English clubs provided four of the next five champions – three of them by Saracens, who were subsequently derided and relegated for financial doping. But never before has one country accounted for five Champions Cup triumphs in succession. What's more, Union Bordeaux Bègles (UBB) became the third different French winner in this era, emulating La Rochelle's maiden win in 2022 over Leinster in Marseille, by beating Northampton in Cardiff last Saturday. READ MORE That old chestnut about the French being Eurosceptics, save for Toulouse, has never looked so hoary. In truth, on foot of Toulouse and Brive winning the first two European Cups and Colomiers reaching the final in the fourth season it was always a bit of a myth anyway and perhaps distorted by Castres' seemingly dilettante attitude. Five different French clubs account for their 13 titles – Toulouse (six), Toulon (three), La Rochelle (two), Brive and UBB one apiece. England's 10 titles have come from six clubs and Ireland's seven trophies have been shared among three of the provinces. But the French have also provided six other finalists, including Clermont and Racing 92, who have each lost three deciders. That hardly indicates disinterest. Bordeaux players celebrate in the dressing room after the game. Photograph: Dan Sheridan/Inpho As well as the 5,000 or more UBB fans who travelled to Cardiff and matched the 20,000 Saints fans for noise and colour, a crowd of 25,000 filled out the fan zone in Bordeaux to watch the match on a giant screen and nearly 40,000 people gathered around the Place des Quinconces on Sunday for the team's civic reception and open top parade. Pierre Hurmic, the Mayor of Bordeaux, exclaimed: 'We have definitively proven, if it was necessary, that Bordeaux is a great rugby city.' President Emmanuel Macron posted on X: 'Wine is not the only Bordeaux treasure: the Union Bordeaux Bègles inscribes its name in gold letters in the European legend of rugby! Bravo. With panache and heart, France is proud.' As well as other Top 14 and ProD2 clubs, the Barcelona and French footballer Jules Koundé congratulated his fellow Girondins, as did PSG ahead of their Champions League final against Inter Milan next Saturday. UBB's triumph is timely too. The most recent French TV deal in the post-pandemic world of 2022 was reputedly reduced from €30 million to €16 million. Yet, on foot of EPCR botching TNT's offer to renew its €15 million per year contract and having to accept roughly half that from Premier Sports, French television still remains the main broadcasting backer. Union Bordeaux Bègles' Maxime Lucu celebrates. Photograph: James Crombie/Inpho True, it's dwarfed by the Canal+ eight-year extension of €696.8m to show all Top 14 rugby until 2032, which is worth €139.4m a season, but EPCR's next four-year deal with beIN Sports and France Télévisions is expected to be confirmed later this week. In addition to beIN Sports again broadcasting every Champions Cup match, as well as some Challenge Cup fixtures, France Télévisions (ever presents since 1995-96) will continue to cover two Champions Cup matches, and Challenge Cup fixture, on a free-to-air basis each weekend. Such is the tournament's reach in France that the Toulon-Toulouse quarter-final drew a record 3.2 million viewers. By contrast, from next season onwards, as part of Premier Sports' contracts with EPCR, the subscription channel will have exclusive coverage of the Champions and Challenge Cups. No matches will be on free-to-air, and that goes for the URC as well, save for TG4. In so many respects therefore, the French are now the heartbeat of European rugby. Yannick Bru described this as the best of the four Champions Cups he has won as a player, assistant coach and now head coach. Their president, Laurent Marti, who has masterminded their rise from formation in 2006 through promotion in 2011, couldn't stop grinning when talking to the French media in the Principality Stadium mixed zone. 'I prefer to be champion of France but I discovered the Champions Cup from a different angle,' he admitted. 'I understand better why some people love it. It's magical because it's international, and I think that without Yannick [Bru], we wouldn't have won it.' UBB benefited from the draw, securing a maximum 20 points in the pool stages with a 66-12 win at home to the Sharks a week after Toulouse failed to earn a bonus point away to the South Africans. This effectively led to UBB having home advantage in the semi-finals against Toulouse. Still, they beat six-time former champions, with 13 titles between them, en route to their first star and scored 54 tries in their eight matches. Leinster fans will forever lament that semi-final defeat and wonder what might have been, but Champions Cups usually get the champions it deserves. What's more, you look at players like Louis Bielle-Biarrey (21), Yoram Moefana (24), Nicolas Depoortère (22) and backrower Marko Gazzotti (21), and UBB look here to stay. Coupled with the arrival of the South African franchises, this tournament has never been harder for an Irish side to win. Realistically, Leinster remain the most viable contender by a distance. Their playing budget, swelled by 11 central contracts, is probably in the ballpark of €9-9.5 million, with a chunk of that underwritten by the IRFU. But the union recoup all the fees generated by the provinces from the EPCR and URC. They also receive a sizeable amount of money, previously €250,000 to €300,000 from Leinster hiring the Aviva Stadium, and also pocket 50 per cent of Leinster's share of the gate receipts from, say, a Champions Cup home quarter-final, which could be €350,000 to €400,000. Still, Leinster maximise their socio-economic advantages, akin to Toulouse and UBB, and their playing budget is not a world away from the Top 14 salary cap of €10.5 million. It's also more than the €7.75 million of Premiership clubs such as Northampton. The playing budgets of Connacht, Munster and Ulster probably range from €4 million to €6 million but like pretty much everyone else belts are being tightened. Money talks, and although they lost a semi-final at home to Northampton, Leinster remain the likeliest threat to this Era of the French.
Irish Times
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Times
Why are so many young Irish rugby players moving to France?
'Did you hear Richie Whelan has signed for La Rochelle? ' You never know when a sliver of transfer gossip will fall into your lap. This one came from overhearing punters taking in the annual fixture between Ireland U20s and a Leinster Development XV. The name of the club was familiar. That of the player less so. Who is Richie Whelan, and why has Ronan O'Gara taken him on? Whelan played for Leinster in the 2024 edition of this fixture in Donnybrook. Injury and a competitive backrow saw him miss out on Ireland U20s. He didn't earn a Leinster academy offer, playing instead for Clontarf in the AIL. Despite captaining Roscrea in the Senior Cup back in 2023, he would be unfamiliar to all bar the most stringent of rugby fans – those of the sort to take in an underage trial match on a Baltic January evening. French rugby has a long history of padding their academies with foreign talent. Irish provinces have had their difficult days against Georgian props and flying Fijians. Such is the frequency of Australian youngsters signing for French clubs – Emmanuel Meafou a prominent example, 16-year-old 147kg giant Visesio Kite the latest case – Rugby Australia chairman Daniel Herbert has cried poaching to World Rugby. READ MORE But now we're hearing of provincial castaways making the journey. There are a handful of Irish players already in France, predominantly in second-tier clubs. They are small in number for now, but plenty are convinced that more will join. There is a catch. French rugby has its now infamous JIFF regulations – short for joueurs issus des filières de formation. This quota mandates a certain number of home-grown players in each match day squad, limiting foreign imports. Financial incentives are attached to giving JIFFs game time. Penalties are handed out for not fulfilling the requirements. To earn JIFF status, players need to spend three years in a French academy before turning 23. Ireland's Ronan Loughnane in action against France in a U20 Six Nations match in July 2021. Photograph: Laszlo Geczo/Inpho Moving to France at a young age is a necessity. Ronan Loughnane, another former Roscrea man currently at Aurillac in the second-tier Pro D2, dropped out of college to take up an offer after attempts to impress Leinster and Munster fell through. 'All my mates told me you've some balls to go over there and drop everything,' says the former Ireland U20 hooker. 'I signed a three-year deal. For me, it was the obvious next move when nothing was coming back home. I just had to do it.' The influence of Irish coaches in France is undoubtedly a factor. La Rochelle's assistant coach Donnacha Ryan used his connections back home when scouting for an academy backrow. Pat Whelan, based close to Roscrea in Nenagh, coached both Ryan and Richie Whelan. He helped make the link. James Coughlan, who is now director of rugby at Biarritz. Photograph: Dave Winter/Inpho James Coughlan, the former Munster backrow, is the current director of rugby at Biarritz. Speaking to Off the Ball earlier this year, he explained his desire to offer more Irish players a pathway to professional rugby. Coughlan has history when it comes to recruiting from Ireland. When previously coaching at Pau, he signed a pair of youngsters out of his old school, CBC Cork. Eoghan Barrett and Ben Roche were immediately given three-year deals with a view to earning JIFF status. Roche struggled with injury and returned home, but Barrett, who was never seriously on Munster's radar, is still playing in France, now at Soyaux-Angoulême. 'I've gotten seven years of rugby as opposed to getting none at home,' he says. 'I struggle to think I'd even play AIL, but here I am now in the Pro D2 having played in the Top 14 and the Challenge Cup.' Coughlan emphasised his wish to sign only those who don't make it provincially. 'We're not looking to take any Irish players who will go on to play for Ireland,' he said. 'We're looking to give guys who are a bit outside the academy bracket that we see have potential, we could do something with them here.' In theory, everyone wins. Irish rugby doesn't need to be worried about losing its best prospects. Though it's difficult to see Messrs Coughlan and Ryan saying no on the off-chance a young star can be convinced to give up on the Irish dream. O'Gara did try to sign Jack Crowley for La Rochelle , after all. The players clearly benefit, enjoying the better odds offered by the size of France's professional structure. 'In Ireland there's only four provinces, there's 30 teams in France,' explains Karl Martin, who chose to leave Leinster for Montpellier in order to see more game time during the pandemic. 'You have more opportunity, more games as a young guy. It will get you noticed.' There is also the chance, however slim, of late bloomers. The French equivalent of Tadhg Beirne, someone who finds a different pathway to professional rugby and later turns the IRFU's head. Irish coaches could never acknowledge using France as another development pathway on the sly. Yet, given the backlog of schools talent, it's not the worst idea to answer the phone when French clubs ask for recommendations. What's in it for the French? The simple answer is Ireland's school system. Aged 18/19, Irish players are not necessarily more talented than France's equivalent, but they appear better prepared for the pros. CBC's Eoghan Barrett on his way to scoring a try in the Munster Schools Senior Cup quarter-final against St Clement's College in February 2018. Photograph: Oisin Keniry/Inpho 'When I explain the schools set-up to the lads in France, they find it really bizarre,' explains Barrett. 'Just how positive it is at creating professional young players. I've often said to my team-mates here that I could name six or seven guys way better than me in school who would have what it takes to make it in France. They just weren't given the opportunity.' 'I'd say the basics would be nailed on in Ireland from a very young age,' says Martin. 'An 18-year-old in France vs Ireland, their senior cup year; knowledge of the game, physicality, fitness, the Irish player would be superior,' explains Loughnane. Money is inevitably another factor. If a Pro D2 club develops a JIFF player only to then lose him to the Top 14, they could be in line for around €250,000 in compensation. The more JIFFs you develop, irrespective of birthplace, the better the odds for smaller clubs of earning big pay-days. Stade Rochelais' head coach Ronan O'Gara before the Champions Cup match between La Rochelle and Munster. Photograph: Billy Stickland/Inpho If all these boxes can be ticked, positives gleaned for everyone involved, why are there only a handful of current Irish JIFFs? 'It's beginning to happen,' says Peter Lydon, the former Kilkenny College pupil now at Angoulême. Lydon is not JIFF qualified but has been on the lookout for those who have potential. 'Our backs coach asked me if I knew any Irish guys coming through who I could recommend for them to bring into the academy here.' 'Our head of recruitment has come to me and asked if I know of players in certain positions that would still be eligible for JIFF,' says Loughnane. 'When I go back home to Birr or Nenagh, I'll ask if there are any boys playing outhalf aged 17 who might want to come across and get their JIFF.' For now, the recruitment pathway is still reliant on old-fashioned connections. Word of mouth. Taps on the shoulder. A nod and a wink. By contrast, some French clubs have academies in Fiji, built with the sole purpose of creating a conveyor belt of young athletes who can earn JIFF status. While Coughlan wants to improve links with provincial coaches, there won't be an Irish branch of a French academy any time soon. The combination of luck and individual belligerence which sent the current crop across still remains key. O'Gara says his experience working with Whelan has left him open to hearing from Irish players, but they have to do some legwork. 'He's come in, he's represented what he stands for and what the people of Ireland stand for,' says the La Rochelle boss. 'I'm very proud of him, I need to just sort out what the best thing for him and his future is. 'It works both ways. Some people have reached out, some haven't. If there are young kids frustrated, I'm here.'
