A highly speculated move in the French Top 14 has been confirmed today, as Nolan Le Garrec will be departing Racing 92 in favour of a move to La Rochelle next Spring. The 5-capped France international confirmed his upcoming exit from the Parisian club, with Racing 92 also issuing a statement regarding the future of the 22-year-old.
Le Garrec will not be extending his contract with Racing, with the story first reported by French outlet Midi Olimpique. The rumours have since been confirmed as a concrete move in the nation’s top flight, and it is understood that Le Garrec has agreed a two-year deal with La Rochelle. Le Garrec is expected to join up with Ronan O’Gara’s side to fill in the void left by departing halfback Tawera Kerr-Barlow.
A statement from Racing 92 (translated from French) read: “Nolann Le Garrec, who arrived at the Racing 92 training center in 2017 from RC Vannes, has just announced that he will join Stade Rochelais from the 2025/2026 season. The entire club and Nolann will be keen to close this joint adventure with Racing 92’s ever-strong ambition to win titles.”
A few weeks ago, Le Garrec spoke to Midi Olimpique, and alluded that a move away from the French capital was on the cards. “I owe a lot to Racing. That’s something I have in mind. I grew up there and they gave me a lot of resources. But I also worked a lot on the side. Success is a balance between the club and the player. We are in a professional world and things can change. We’ll see.”
This is quite a substantial blow for Racing 92, who are also fighting to keep hold of Springboks captian Siya Kolisi. The back row is reportedly in talks to return to South Africa with a move to the Sharks, in what would bolster his involvement amongst Rassie Erasmus’ plans for the 2024/25 season.