Posted by K. D. December 18, 2024
On this cool morning of December 18, 2024, Stade Rochelais is already full of nostalgia. After eight seasons loyal service, the talented New Zealand scrum-half Dave Kerr-Barlow prepares his departure for Stade Français.
During his stay on the shores of the Atlantic, Kerr-Barlow has not only left a mark on the La Rochelle game; he has written himself deeply into the hearts of the supporters.
A significant impact in the Maritimes
At 34 years old, Kerr-Barlow is one of those players who talks more on the field than in the media.
Discreet, but omnipresent, it is the symbol of a team built on sobriety and efficiency. His teammates and fans fear the hollow echo that his departure will create, an emotional void as much as a sporting one.
The scrum-half leaves behind supporters who salute a club man, associated with great moments and more particularly with first two titles from Stade Rochelais.
A supporter, visibly touched by the announced departure, perfectly expresses this special relationship:
“He will forever be associated with the club’s first two titles. He’s a great player, a real leader. »
High ambitions to the end
The objective of Kerr-Barlowfor his last season in yellow and black, is clear: leave with his head held high and, if possible, fill the club’s trophy cabinet a little more.
La Rochelle, in the meantime, is already looking towards the future and the post-Kerr-Barlow era. The hope of a successful transition is looming with promising recruitment to replace the scrum half who has left for new adventures.
It is with a mixture of expectations and affection that La Rochelle supporters are preparing to say goodbye to their scrum half. For them, Kerr-Barlow will remain a leader who, without fanfare or media hype, was able to guide the team to the heights of the Top 14. His legacy in La Rochelle? Indelible.
A departure, but an indelible mark
As Stade Rochelais prepares to turn a page in its history, Dave Kerr-Barlowstoic, looks forward to the final months of the competition with the same intensity as always.
Whatever his future role at Stade Français, that is the mark of great players: to leave an unforgettable memory and an example to follow, both on the pitch and in the hearts of fans.
In Yellow and Black, he leaves a family; at the Stade Français, he is preparing to join another, with, we are sure, the same determination and passion that have always guided him.
Photo : Icon Sport
