Stade Rochelais is preparing to say goodbye to Tawera Kerr-Barlow, its emblematic scrum half, at the end of the season. The New Zealand player will wear the colors of Stade Français for the next two seasons.
At the same time, Nolann Le Garrec, nugget of Racing 92, will set down his bags in Charente-Maritime. A game of musical chairs which crudely illustrates the economic realities of professional Rugby.
“Rugby is a business”: Kerr-Barlow’s observation
Tawera Kerr-Barlow didn’t mince words about her departure via L’Équipe: “I had no control, the decision was made and I needed to find a job. Sometimes you forget that rugby is a business. It is.” After memorable years at La Rochelle, where he won two European Cups, he says he experienced real heartbreak: “My children were born there, they are Rochelais. They always will be. La Rochelle will always remain in my heart.”
Despite some physical problems, the former All Black still feels competitive : “I still have fire in my belly. I love rugby. If I wasn’t professional, I would play as an amateur for my village.”
The strategic choice of Stade Rochelais
As for the La Rochelle staff, the departure of Kerr-Barlow seems more like a constraint than a desire. Ronan O’Gara was clear: “Tawera is magnificent, he’s a huge champion. I would have liked to keep him, almost at all costs. But a Nolann Le Garrec doesn’t arrive every season. I would have liked to have both in the group. But We didn’t have the money for it.”
The arrival of the young French scrum half responds to a logic for the future. At only 22 years old, Le Garrec embodies the French generation at the postand his arrival confirms the ambition of Stade Rochelais to remain at the top.
Between heritage and renewal
Kerr-Barlow’s departure marks the end of an era for La Rochelle. A true architect of the club’s recent successeshe was able to imprint his style and leadership on the group. But the arrival of Nolann Le Garrec opens a promising new chapter.
The latter, accustomed to big posters with Racing 92 and the XV of France, will have the mission of making his predecessor forget while establishing himself in a team where excellence has become the norm.
For La Rochelle supporters, the departure of Kerr-Barlow will perhaps leave a bitter taste, but his legacy will endure, as will his attachment to the club and the city. “It was a privilege to spend years here”, he concludes, his head already turned towards his future challenges.
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