Charlie Heller’s Rugby Journey: A new country. A professional environment. A new challenge.
Charlie Heller is taking the next step in his rugby career, joining French Pro D2 club USON Nevers for the 2026–27 season. With the opportunity to develop in a professional rugby environment, Charlie is ready to embrace a new challenge and continue growing both on and off the field.
From Opportunity to Professional Rugby
Charlie’s journey to France began in July 2025. Through Oval15.com, USON Nevers first approached him with a potential opportunity to join the club for the 2025–26 season. Unfortunately, due to timing, the move did not materialise, leaving Charlie and Oval15 wondering what might have been.
However, the opportunity was not forgotten.
Charlie continued working hard behind the scenes, and when the recruitment window opened for the 2026–27 season, Oval15 was ready to help him take the next step.
When USON Nevers renewed their interest, Oval15 & Charlie moved quickly. Following a video call and a period of organising documentation, visa appointments and other logistics, he secured his opportunity to join the French club’s Espoirs Elite side.
Settling into Life in Nevers
Moving to a new country comes with its own challenges, but Charlie has found settling into life in Nevers much easier thanks to the people around him.
He credits the welcoming environment and the support of his teammates for helping him feel at home.
“Settling into life in Nevers has been made a lot easier by having a great group of boys around me. They’ve really welcomed me and made me feel like one of their own, which has helped massively with the move.”
Having a strong support network can make a significant difference when moving abroad to pursue a rugby career. For Charlie, building relationships with his teammates has been an important part of adapting to his new surroundings.
Embracing the Professional Environment
For Charlie, joining USON Nevers represents an opportunity to experience a new level of rugby and challenge himself in a professional setting.
“This opportunity was exactly what I was looking for. Being in a professional environment and training every day has been awesome.”
The experience allows him to learn from the players and coaches around him, develop his skills and continue working towards his long-term ambitions in rugby.
“It’s given me the chance to challenge myself, learn from those around me and keep developing as a player.”
With a new environment and higher expectations, Charlie has the opportunity to build on his existing experience while continuing to develop the qualities needed to compete at the next level.
Experiencing Life in France
Moving abroad is about more than rugby. It also provides players with the opportunity to experience a different culture, explore new places and develop personally.
Charlie has particularly enjoyed embracing French culture, discovering the local food and experiencing life away from the rugby field.
“My favourite part has probably been embracing the French culture. Exploring the food and enjoying life away from rugby has been an awesome experience.”
“We also had a camp in Chambéry, where we did a via ferrata around Mont du Chat, which was a real highlight.”
For Charlie, these experiences have made his time in France even more memorable, adding another dimension to his journey as a rugby player.
How Oval15 Helped Make It Happen
Securing an opportunity overseas involves more than finding the right club. Players must navigate recruitment processes, communication, documentation and the practical challenges of moving to another country.
Charlie credits Oval15 & their partner agent in France with providing valuable support throughout his journey.
“Oval15 have been unreal throughout the whole process.”
He explains that Hugo Martel, Oval15’s FFR accredited partner agent and Scott Lailvaux, Oval15’s General Manager, have maintained regular contact from the beginning, continuing to support him since his arrival in France.
“Having them checking in and being there to help has made a big difference. I feel very lucky to be working with them.”
This ongoing support is an important part of Oval15’s approach to helping players find opportunities that match their ambitions and supporting them throughout their rugby journeys.
Looking Ahead
Charlie’s move to USON Nevers marks another important milestone in his career. With the chance to train in a professional environment, learn from experienced players and continue developing his game, he is focused on making the most of the opportunity.
His journey is a reminder that finding the right rugby opportunity can take time, persistence and the right connections.
Could your next rugby opportunity be waiting for you?
Create your player profile on Oval15.com and connect with clubs looking for players like you. Your next chapter could take you further than you imagined.