Ex-Leinster man joins Ronan O’Gara’s La Rochelle

A talented player backing himself.

Former Leinster underage player Richie Whelan will be playing for La Rochelle Under-21s (Espoirs) until the end of the season.

Whelan captained Cistercian College Roscrea in the 2023 Leinster Schools Senior Cup, while he also played for Leinster at Under-18s, Under-19s, and Under-20s levels.

He was not offered a Leinster academy contract, and rather than try his hand at making it at one of the other provinces or over in England, he has taken the brave and more scenic route in the south of France.

While he represented Ireland U19s, the Clontarf club man missed out on selection for the Ireland U20s last year, after injury issues and serious competition from the likes of Brian Gleeson and Sean Edogbo.

As reported by the Irish Times, while at Roscrea, Whelan played under coaches who had worked alongside the former Ireland and Munster lock Donnacha Ryan, who is now part of Ronan O'Gara's coaching staff at La Rochelle.

Whelan subsequently went on trial at the French club at Christmas and has now lined out for the Espoirs in two games so far.

The squad for last weekend's loss to Brive also included Ike Anagu. The South African schoolboy lined out for the Ireland U20s against Wales in the 2023 Six Nations, and in warm-up games.