La Rochelle confirm 10 contract extensions, including Jack Nowell

Double Champions Cup winners La Rochelle have taken a huge stride forward in the Ronan O’Gara plan to remain successful by confirming a list of 10 contract extensions – including four players on five-year deals.

Among the quartet that have committed to the Top 14 club until 2029 is France No8 Gregory Alldritt, who sat out last Sunday’s Guinness Six Nations draw with Italy through injury.

Jack Nowell, the former England winger who moved across the Channel from Exeter last summer, has agreed to an extension keeping him at Stade Marcel-Deflandre until 2027.

Fijian back-rower Levani Botia is another to stick with the 2022 and 2023 European champions, shaking hands on terms through to 2026.

A La Rochelle statement read: “The club is proud to announce the extension of 10 of its players, including several senior players, for several seasons. In the youth category, five players have signed up.”

“2029: Gregory Alldritt, Pierre Bougarit, Thomas Lavault, Antoine Hastoy, Jules Favre;

2028: Remi Wardi;

2027: Jack Nowell;

2026: Levani Botia, Simeli Daunivucu, Hugo Reus.”

The five 17-year-olds signed by the club were Temanatua Boichot, Gabin Garault, Enzo Jean, Doego Jurd and Peni Torau Vuetimaiwai.

La Rochelle were beaten 27-15 at Perpignan last Saturday in the Top 14. They are currently in ninth place, five points off Racing who occupy the sixth and final play-off place with 10 matches remaining. They are also away to the Stormers on April 6 in the Champions Cup round of 16.