Healy set to link up with Donnacha Ryan in La Rochelle

By Shane Brophy

Nenagh native Ben Healy is set for a new adventure with reports that he is set to join La Rochelle next season.

The 26-year-old, a former product of Glenstal Abbey – left Munster after winning a URC title in 2023, to join Edinburgh ahead of the 2023/24 season, and to pursue an international career with Scotland.

Healy, who qualifies to represent the Scots through his grandparents, went on to make his international debut for Gregor Townsend’s side against Italy in the summer of 2023 and was subsequently selected in their World Cup squad, featuring in the win over Romania.

The 26-year-old has amassed 10 international caps to date and has made 41 appearances for Edinburgh but has featured just five times this season.

Sources in France have confirmed to the extra.ie website that Healy is primed to link up with the two-time European champions next season, for whom fellow Nenagh native Donnacha Ryan is the forwards’ coach, under head coach Ronan O’Gara.

Plying his trade in France would not prohibit Healy from representing Scotland in the future, but he could still wear the green of Ireland again if he doesn’t feature for the Scots for three years from his last appearance which was in the summer of 2024.