La Rochelle boss Ronan O'Gara has opened up about the progress of ex-Leinster and Roscrea man Richie Whelan, praising the youngster for representing the people of Ireland well, and opening the door for other 'frustrated' Irish youngsters to follow in his footsteps and make the move to France.
Whelan, who is an alumnus of Roscrea College and the Leinster underage system, travelled to La Rochelle for a trial with their U21 side the LAR Espoirs last December and subsequently signed a deal that keeps him there until the end of this season.
The Clontarf club man had captained Roscrea in the Senior Cup, and just missed out on Ireland U20s selection, but was ultimately not offered a prized Leinster Academy contract. Instead of the more commonly traipsed path through other provinces or academies in England, Whelan made the decision to move to La Rochelle.
In recent years, Ronan O'Gara's recruitment has been the subject of much praise, with the Corkonian also managing to attract one of Australian rugby's most promising prospects Visesio Kite to the French city. Former Connacht star Ultan Dillane also made the move to O'Gara's side after his international career stalled in Ireland and has since added a Champions Cup title to his list of accolades.
3 February 2023; Richie Whelan of Cistercian College Roscrea in action against Lucas Maguire of Catholic University School during the Bank of Ireland Leinster Rugby Schools Senior Cup First Round match between Cistercian College Roscrea and Catholic University School at Terenure College RFC in Dublin. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
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Ronan O'Gara opens door for 'frustrated' young kids to come to La Rochelle
Speaking ahead of La Rochelle's crunch Champions Cup round of sixteen clash with Munster this weekend, O'Gara revealed that Whelan has made an impression on people at the club and has 'represented what the people of Ireland stand for' well during his time in France.
It’s a long story, but a great story. Richie is someone who left a very favourable impression on guys here. That’s very important, obviously, as opportunities are rare. He’s come in and has represented what he stands for and what the people of Ireland stand for. I’m very happy with him. I’m very proud of him. We just need to sort out what the best thing for him, and his future, is.
Asked whether the path of Whelan to the LAR Espoirs was a future avenue worth exploring, O'Gara was resounding in his response, saying his door was open to 'frustrated kids' in similar shoes to that of Whelan to follow suit.
Yeah, I think so, yeah. It works both ways, too. Sometimes people think that's all that is out there, but it has been great. Some people have reached out and other people haven’t reached out. So, if there’s young kids frustrated, I’m here.
Whether Whelan will progress into La Rochelle's senior squad and join Dillane as another Irish man in O'Gara's ranks is yet to be seen, but judging by O'Gara's comments the future looks bright for him. Based on O'Gara's invitation, we could yet see more like Whelan who travel further afield to gain experience, before either carving a career in Europe or returning to professional rugby in Ireland.
While Whelan could very well follow in the footsteps of Irish players like Tadhg Beirne and Cormac Izuchukwu who took a less conventional path in their careers, the lure, finances and prospect of success in French rugby might prove every bit as attractive.
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