The UBB wanted it, he chose Brive. Despite the presence of Maxime Lucu at the scrum, the Union Bordeaux-Bègles tried to strengthen its workforce by taking an interest in John Cooney. The Irish international, free after eight seasons at the Ulster, could have joined the recent European champion. But against all odds, the 35 -year -old scrum half preferred to engage in Pro D2 with Brive.
A choice that may surprise, as the gap between the ambitions of the two clubs is great. However, for Cooney, this Brivist challenge represented a unique opportunity. “The time had come to discover new things. I wanted a new challenge after eight good years at the Ulster. Bordeaux also contacted me, but I liked Brive’s challenge. I like to take up big challenges. And that of bringing Brive in Top 14 is one ”he explains in The mountain.
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Seduced by the environment of the Corrézien club, Cooney is full of praise for its new destination. “The infrastructure, the city, the atmosphere … I think I’m going to please myself here. I made the right choice for my family. The supporters are already very present, it’s incredible ”he adds.
Cooney, already in French
Determined to integrate fully into its new environment, the Irishman also gets behind the field. “It is essential, in my eyes, to be able to adapt to the environment in which we evolve. I have at least two French learning sessions per week. I mean your language as quickly as possible. For rugby of course but also to be able to simply communicate with people in town ”he confides.
With this signature, Brive clearly displays its ambitions of immediate rise in the elite. And on the UBB side, we can feed some regrets, as the track seemed serious. Cooney is already turned towards his new goal.
