French club La Rochelle have officially unveiled nine new signings for the 2026-27 season, among them an influential figure in the Springbok pack.
Former Stormers captain and 28-year-old lock Salmaan Moerat, who has 11 caps for the Boks, has joined the Top 14 outfit for three years.
Bienvenue πΜ ππ€π§π, Salmaan ! pic.twitter.com/Mxi1gmvctR
β Stade Rochelais (@staderochelais) July 3, 2026
Another South African David Kriel (27) joins from the Vodacom Bulls and will play in the midfield along with former All Black George Moala, who has spent the last eight seasons at Clermont.
β Stade Rochelais (@staderochelais) July 3, 2026
Head coach Ronan OβGara has brought in Scotland international Ben Healy, who started last season at Edinburgh before switching to Newcastle, as a replacement at flyhalf for the experienced New Zealander Ihaia West who is off to Stade FranΓ§ais,
The Ireland-born 27-year-old, capped 10 times by Scotland, has signed a two-year deal.
MORE: French champs cop salary cap fine
Versatile forward Theo McFarland, capped 24 times for Samoa, is a former basketball player who has been with Saracens for five years and has signed a two-year contract while another New Zealander Sam Tuifua, a loose forward, comes in from Mont-de-Marsan who were relegated last season from the second tier.
ALSO: Bordeaux finally unveil Stormers star
La Rochelle, who finished sixth and were knocked out in the Top 14 playoffs. have also brought in veteran scrumhalf Christophe Loustalot as cover for Nolann Le Garrec, as well as two French youngsters in lock Thomas AdelaΓ―de and prop Nathan Fraissenon.
Australian hooker Tolu Latu, who joined the club from Montpellier in December 2023, has extended his stay for another season.
β AFP
Photo: Gallo Images/Die Burger/Theo Jeptha
The post La Rochelle reveal Bok, Saffa recruits appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
French club La Rochelle have officially unveiled nine new signings for the 2026-27 season, among them an influential figure in the Springbok pack.
The post La Rochelle reveal Bok, Saffa recruits appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.Β Read More
