Brive signs Irish scrumhalf

TRANSFER NEWS: Ireland international scrumhalf John Cooney has joined Brive from Ulster, the French second-division club revealed.

The 34-year-old Dubliner collected 11 Ireland caps between 2017 and 2020, scoring one try.

Cooney, who played for Leinster and Connacht at the start of his career, has spent the last eight seasons with Ulster.

Brive, who are battling for promotion to the Top 14, said they had signed Cooney for two seasons.

“He’s an experienced player, with physical qualities and reliable footwork,” Brive sports director Pierre-Henry Broncan said in a club press release.

“He’s used to playing in crunch matches, and his intelligence on the pitch will be an asset.”

☘️🇮🇪 Aujourd’hui c’est la #SaintPatrick

En cette journée spéciale, un nouvel Irlandais débarque en Corrèze dès la saison prochaine 🖊️⚫️⚪️

𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐧 !

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— CA Brive Rugby (@CABCLRUGBY) March 17, 2025