France
Top 14 · Pro D2 · Nationale · Nationale 2 · Fédérale 1
Espoirs: Elite · Accession · Nationaux
Japan
Japanese League One
Italy
Serie A Elite · Serie A
New Zealand
NPC · Heartland Championship
Australia
Shute Shield · RugbyWA · John I Dent Cup · Hospital Cup
USA
Top Professional League
South Korea
Korea Super Rugby League
Spain
Honor Division A & B
Georgia
Didi 10
Netherlands
Ereklasse
Wales
Welsh Super Rygbi
Hong Kong
Hong Kong Premiership
Russia
Russian Rugby Championship
Scotland
Arnold Clark Premiership
Romania
Liga Națională de Rugby
Portugal
Honor Division
Canada
BC Premiership
Middle East
West Asia Super Rugby
First game was disappointing, losing last minute was tough.
Things are fine here, teammates are all very good lads and the seniors are good lads, it’s definitely different to back home, but it’s good I feel like I’m settling in good
It’s been good learning French, feels like I’m unconsciously trying to mix it in with normal conversations which will help me learn faster aswell. French culture is really nice, really chilled away from rugby, which is good to switch off and it’s a nice part of the world to live.
Hawick so far has been amazing I’ve been welcomed in as if I’ve been living here already for a long time the people I’ve met have been so kind and supportive of me and my game.
Life in Scotland so far has been a lot of fun still have so much of this beautiful country to explore and enjoy and I can’t wait for that.
My experience in the Netherlands has definitely helped me a lot not only from the coaches as well as from the players with alot of experience in the game helping and critiquing in all ways to impove my game but also help build my confidence in my game
My experience with Oval15 so far has been great it was nice and easy to set my profile up aswell as getting help for everything I needed, the process from applying to getting in touch with the clubs have felt like a breeze, super easy and quick
I loved my first season in Bahrain, it’s a really professional set up, and getting to travel all over the Middle East has been a great experience.
It’s definitely a change, playing in the heat and humidity is brutal at times! The welcome experience we got from the club was amazing, everything was handled so smoothly and professionally, making it really easy to settle into the club and life in a new country.
There’s a good number of players in the West Asia Prem who have been in and out of professional set ups, and with two good new teams in the league this year I can only see the standard getting higher.
Oval15 has been great, it’s such an easy platform to use and Scott has been a great link between club and player.
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. There have definitely been a few challenges, but I expected that, and it’s all been part of the learning experience.
My favourite part has probably been embracing the French culture. Exploring the food and enjoying life away from footy 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.
This opportunity was exactly what I was looking for. Being in a professional environment and training every day has been awesome. It’s a chance to challenge myself, learn from those around me and keep developing as a player.
Oval15 have been unreal throughout the whole process. Hugo, Scott and the team have kept in regular contact from the start, and that support has continued since I arrived 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.
I’m currently coming up on my fourth month of my rugby journey here in Grenoble. At the start, I was quite nervous about living on my own as a seventeen-year-old in a completely different country, but that quickly changed thanks to the friendly players and staff. It’s amazing how much your life can change in such a short period of time, and how many new connections you make along the way. I’ve had a very positive experience of pre-season here in France. Of course, it consisted of a lot of tough training sessions, but also a lot of team-bonding activities, which really helped bring the team together.
The biggest highlight must be my starting debut, when we made a huge comeback against last year’s champions, Clermont. That felt incredible!
For a very long time, I’ve wanted to play rugby abroad, and I did everything I could to make that happen, but the process didn’t always go smoothly. However, when I joined Oval15, the process sped up enormously, as I got multiple opportunities that eventually led me to my current club, FC Grenoble. I couldn’t be happier. So, getting those opportunities with the help of Oval15 was very important in helping me reach my goal.
If you’re a rugby player with dreams and ambition, and you’re looking for that one opportunity to take the next step, reach out to Oval15. They can definitely help you and support you throughout the process.
What’s the experience been like at Old Crescent so far?
The experience at Old Crescent has been really good so far. Everyone at the club has made me feel welcome, from the players to the coaches, and I settled in quicker than I expected. The standard and intensity of the rugby has been a great challenge for me, and I feel like I’m learning a lot every week. I’m really enjoying being part of the club and seeing how far I can develop here.
How have you been settling in to life in Ireland?
Moving over from Scotland was a big step for me, especially being away from my family and everything I’ve known. But I’ve settled in well and I’m enjoying the experience. I’ve met some good people through the club and work, and I’m starting to feel more at home in Limerick. It’s been good for me personally as well as rugby-wise, because it’s pushed me to become more independent.
What’s the biggest difference you’ve noticed from rugby in Scotland vs Old Crescent?
I’d say the biggest difference is the intensity and physicality. The rugby here is played at a really high tempo, and there’s a big emphasis on being physical and staying switched on throughout the game. It’s been an adjustment, but it’s exactly the type of challenge I wanted when I decided to move over. I feel like it’s helping me develop my game and become a more complete player.
What has been your experience of Oval15 & the platform, in how we assisted with the opportunity?
Oval15 has played a massive part in getting me this opportunity. They helped put me in contact with Old Crescent and supported me through the process of making the move over to Ireland. Having that connection and support made the whole process a lot easier, especially with it being such a big change for me. I’m really grateful to Oval15 for helping create the opportunity and for backing me throughout the journey. Without them, I don’t think I’d be in the position I’m in now.
