Healy setting sail for La Rochelle
Kilruane native Ben Healy has penned a two-year deal with Top-14 outfit La Rochelle in France.
The former Munster fly-half and Scotland fly-half, who represented Nenagh Ormond at underage level before going on to captain Glenstal Abbey to the Munster School’s Senior Cup title in 2018, had previously been on the books at English Premiership side Newcastle Red Bulls, having moved on loan from Edinburgh during the course of the 2025/26 season.
The 27-year-old, who is known for his monstrous kicking ability, could prove a useful acquisition for Ronan O’Gara’s La Rochelle where he will link up with fellow Nenagh man Donnacha Ryan who is the forwards coach, as they bid to recapture the form that led them to successive Champions Cup titles in 2022 & 2023. The decision to recruit Healy was sparked by the departure of New Zealander Ihaia West, who has left the west coast for Stade Francais.
La Rochelle produced an underwhelming campaign last season, although a late surge on the domestic front saw them ultimately finish sixth and capture the last Top-14 play-off spot.
They were subsequently beaten by Stade Francais in the quarter-final. On the European stage they failed to impress, ending their Champions Cup pool stage campaign in fifth and failing to advance to the knockout rounds.
They were then defeated by Ulster in the quarter-final of the Challenge Cup. The French side have been drawn alongside Connacht, Exeter Chiefs and Saracens in next season’s Champions Cup pool stages.
It has been reported that the move to France will not compromise Healy’s Scotland playing career.
The Nenagh man, who qualifies for Scotland through his grandparents, has ten caps for Gregor Townsend’s side, having made his debut in 2023. However, Healy could become an option for Ireland again in July 2027 if he doesn’t play for Scotland in that time as it would be three-years since his last cap in 2024.
Having struggled with form and injury at times in recent years, Healy will be hoping this new La Rochelle venture will reinvigorate his Scotland career. He has an admirer in O’Gara, and a decent manager too.