Connacht out-half Peter Durcan has become the latest product of the Connacht Academy to sign with French second division side La Rochelle.

Peter Durcan.

The Ballina native has signed a two-year deal and will head to the west coast of France in July. Durcan is in his second season playing for the Connacht senior side but his playing opportunities have been limited this year.

"I've had two very enjoyable seasons with Connacht," said the 21-year-old, "but I received an offer to play for La Rochelle and felt the time was right to move on."

Durcan is currently finishing his degree in Commerce with N.U.I. Galway and will take a few weeks off before joining up with his new teammates once his exams finish in May.

He is looking forward to joining a club with their sights set on promotion. "I'm obviously delighted to sign for such an ambitious club. They're currently in the playoffs to be promoted next season but even if they don't go up this year, they're already planning for the next campaign. They're recruiting heavily at the moment and they've also got a fantastic following with between ten and twelve thousand at their home games."

Durcan will link up with former Connacht second-row David McGowan, who he played alongside at underage level for Connacht, as well as Ireland U19 and U21.

Durcan has been impressed with McGowan's progress since joining the second division side, under the tutelage of La Rochelle coach Serge Milhas, the former Colombiers out-half.

"I met their coach, Serge, and he has a very hands-on approach to the game. Also from speaking to David McGowan, I really liked the sound of how they do things over there and I can't wait to get started."

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