Ben Healy Heads to La Rochelle, Munster Bolsters Squad

Published: February 23, 2026

Healy Reunites with O’Gara in France

Former Munster fly-half Ben Healy is set to join Top 14 side La Rochelle for next season, linking up once again with former Munster coach Ronan O’Gara. HE didn’t manage to lure Jack Crowley to La Rochelle, but Ronan O’Gara has succeeded in bringing former Munster ten Ben Healy to the Top 14 for next season.

The move comes two years after Healy departed Munster for Edinburgh in pursuit of an international career with Scotland. A move to France will not impact his eligibility for the Scottish national team.

International Career Continues

Healy qualifies for Scotland through his grandparents and has already earned ten caps for Gregor Townsend’s side, making his debut against Italy in the 2023 Six Nations. O’Gara is known to be an admirer of Healy’s kicking ability, and at La Rochelle, Healy will compete for the number ten jersey with Diego Jurd, Antoine Hastoy, and Ihaia West.

Munster Strengthens Squad with Latest Signings

While losing Healy, Munster has been active in the transfer market, securing the services of two new players. The province has signed former New Zealand U20 international scrum-half Ben O’Donovan from Canterbury on an 18-month deal. O’Donovan, who featured in the 2024 U20s World Championship, is Irish qualified.

Munster previously announced the signing of South African hooker Marnus van der Merwe from the Scarlets on a two-year contract.

I think Marnus is a quality operator, said Munster forwards coach Alex Codling. You’ve seen that obviously with the Springboks. He’s very, very good at set-piece, both around the line-out and the scrum. He’s actually the top tackler in the URC. I think he offers a multitude of threats.

Alex Codling, Munster Forwards Coach

Codling emphasized the importance of careful recruitment, considering both short-term needs and long-term squad development. You have to gaze at it in the short, medium and long term, he stated. Short term in terms of his possible injuries coming up before the complete of the season. We would have the opportunity to have our input. I think that’s really important, both as a coaching group, as a club, making sure we bring the right people in, both in terms of people off the field, but also what they can bring on the field.

FAQ

• Will Ben Healy’s move to France affect his Scotland eligibility? No, playing in France will not preclude him from continuing his international career with Scotland.
• Who will Ben Healy compete with for the fly-half position at La Rochelle? He will compete with Diego Jurd, Antoine Hastoy, and Ihaia West.
• What position does Ben O’Donovan play? He is a scrum-half.

These signings signal Munster’s intent to build a competitive squad for the future, while Healy’s move represents an exciting new chapter in his career under the guidance of Ronan O’Gara.

What do you think of these moves? Share your thoughts in the comments below!