Why Jack Crowley turned down move to European giants

Jack Crowley has revealed why he rejected an enticing offer to join European giants La Rochelle, opting instead to continue his career with Munster.

The 23-year-old's trajectory in the rugby world has been nothing short of remarkable since his standout performance in last year's Emerging Ireland tour. Rapidly ascending through the ranks at both Munster and Ireland, he is now positioned to play a pivotal role in a Johnny Sexton-less Ireland in the 2024 Six Nations.

La Rochelle had expressed keen interest in Crowley two years ago, as revealed by O'Gara in his column for the Irish Examiner in January 2021. Despite the lure of joining a European powerhouse, Crowley remained steadfast in his commitment to Munster. O'Gara, while expressing disappointment at missing out on the talented player, acknowledged Crowley's decision to prioritize loyalty over the prospect of playing in France.

"He has already turned heads with his displays from the boot and with ball in hand for the Ireland U20s," wrote O'Gara wrote 33 months ago. "Crowley may be fourth in line at the moment, but things move quickly when you least expect them.

"Patience is a virtue in these situations and Jack is happy to bide his time and make his mark with Munster. I know all this because he has turned down the chance to sign for La Rochelle, with whom I am familiar. Am I disappointed? Bloody right I am. This boy is a talent."

O'Gara words proved prophetic, with Crowley ascending to the number two spot behind Sexton at the recent Rugby World Cup in France.

Jack Crowley and Keith Earls of Munster embrace after their side's victory in the United Rugby Championship Semi-Final match between Leinster and Munster at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. (Photo By Harry Murphy/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

Crowley couldn't have been blamed for being tempted by La Rochelle's offer. The French side was surging as a European rugby force in the 2021-22 season and they went on to win back-to-back Champions Cups under the guidance of O'Gara and Crowley could have expected a considerable bump in earnings.

Now in an exclusive interview with Peter O'Reilly and The Sunday Times, Crowley has shed light on the reasoning behind his decision.

"No, I’d spent enough time on that decision in the first place," he explained. "There was a gut feeling that I couldn’t leave Munster without giving it a proper crack. This was where I’d dreamed of playing as a young fella, and to be true to myself, I had to give this my all. It was just about finding a way."

The gamble has paid off for Crowley. After leap-frogging Joey Carbery in the Munster pecking order and kicking Munster to their first URC title since 2011, it appears set for an almighty tussle with Ross Byrne for the Ireland jersey, a battle he will start on the front foot.