Duncan Casey: A place in the sun: French second tier gives Irish players a second chance

For another cohort of Irish pros – those plying their trade in France’s ProD2 – Christmas is a time for relaxing, unwinding and enjoying a break from the rigours of a long season.

SECOND CHANCE: Former Munster player John Madigan is enjoying life in the French ProD2. Picture: ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy

The Christmas period is usually a busy and important one for Irish players. Interprovincial derbies are sandwiched between European fixtures, often with tight turnarounds between games. The Six Nations is around the corner and those battling for a green jersey – or even a spot in training camp – have back-to-back opportunities to pit themselves against the rest of the country’s talent.

There is little time to decompress and get into the festive spirit with family and friends. Shifting the traditional Stephen’s Day clash between Munster and Leinster in Limerick to the 27th has made things a bit more forgiving for those particular players. I remember squeezing into my car on Christmas Day in 2014, feeling like a duck at a foie gras farm after two servings of my mother’s exceptional Christmas dinner.