Transfers / Top 14 – Jacob Stockdale and John Cooney, from Ulster to the Top 14, Ross Byrne (Leinster) to Montpellier?

Although they are fewer in number than their English neighbors, Irish internationals are also players in the Top 14 transfer market. In recent weeks, the hottest issue of the moment concerned Ross Byrne (29 years old, 23 caps).

At the end of his contract with Leinster, the fly-half received a contract offer from Montpellier to which he has not yet given a firm response. On the MHR side, we still hope to win the support of the player, wanted by the staff, even though Leicester and its current province have also made an offer. At least two of his selection partners could also arrive in France next summer. Starting with Jacob Stockdale (28 years old, 38 caps). The powerful Ulster winger, who is coming to the end of his commitment, is in the sights of Racing 92 and Lyon. Video sessions were organized and, to date, the Ile-de-France track appears to be the most advanced. The best player of the 2018 Tournament, whose career was hampered by injuries, has, since last year, regained the selection and his effectiveness, having scored 65 tries in 165 career matches.

Cooney in the UBB shortlist

John Cooney (34 years old, 11 caps), although he does not have the longest international CV of all, is considered a safe bet at the scrum-half position. His qualities as a conductor and scorer please the UBB side, looking for an understudy to Maxime Lucu. The Ulsterman, under contract until June 2025, is one of the profiles studied by Gironde recruiters, alongside those of the Australian Tate Mc Dermott, the Lyonnais Martin Page-Relo and the Puma Gonzalo Garcia.