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13th May 2025
01:17pm BST
La Rochelle head coach Ronan O'Gara is once again reportedly interested in one of Ireland's young talents.
Before Jack Crowley shot to stardom with Munster and Ireland, there was a contract on offer in the South of France for him, while former Roscrea College man, Richie Whelan, is currently part of the Stade Rochelais academy.
Now it seems they are after Connacht's Matthew Devine.
In his first start for the province, last season, the scrum-half had a breakout game, scoring two tries in a URC win over Zebre.
Since then, the 23-year-old has gone from strength to strength, with a series of outstanding performances this season, while also starring for the Emerging Ireland team in October.
Try C: Matthew Devine v Zebre
— Connacht Rugby (@connachtrugby) May 13, 2024
Vote 🗳️ https://t.co/KA2sWtxath pic.twitter.com/4xD6qxiF81
However, there is a bit of a back log at in the scrum-half position at Connacht, with their best player this season, Ben Murphy, and Ireland Six Nations squad member, Caolin Blade, limiting Devine to just three starts this season.
Given this abundance of talent at No 9, one would assume that they will lose yet another player this summer.
Speaking on Against the Head, esteemed pundit, Bernard Jackman, believes that there is "fact" behind the rumour.
He said: "There's a rumour I heard on Saturday, and I believe there's fact behind it, is that ROG and La Rochelle would love Matthew Devine, who is a very talented scrum-half, he was 24th/25th man there on Saturday.
"From outside, he probably hasn't got the game time that his talent deserves. He's a homegrown player, and someone of O'Gara's ability has spotted his talent and would love to bring him over to France.
"So if they lose him it's another player gone, but for his development, I think a year in the Top 14 would be incredible."
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