Waterford-born Ike Anagu joined La Rochelle's academy in 2021 and is now with the Ireland U20s:
SCANNING THROUGH THE Ireland U20 team-sheets for their recent Six Nations warm-up games against Leinster and Munster development sides, one name clearly stood out.A catch-up on the 19-year-old wing’s background reveals a fascinating story. Anagu was born in Waterford in 2003 but moved to South Africa with his family when he was eight-years-old.
His talent was identified by Top 14 club La Rochelle, who signed him to their academy set-up in 2021. Anagu has been with Ronan O’Gara’s club for just over a year and is now set to be named in the Ireland U20 squad for the Six Nations tomorrow.A tall, powerful athlete, Anagu can also play in the centre or at fullback, meaning he is a versatile option for Richie Murphy’s side. Strong performances for the U20s will surely lead to interest from the Irish provinces.
In order to do so, a player must spend three years in a French club’s academy before the age of 21 or have been officially licensed to play in France for five years before they turn 23. Being JIFF is important because Top 14 rules mean clubs must include an average of 17 JIFF players in their matchday squads over the course of the season.
“So if he gets JIFF-qualified, he has a way better chance of having an option of a professional career because if you’re non-JIFF, you have a third of a chance of that.
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