Calm Ben Healy helps La Rochelle snap losing streak

La Rochelle's Ben Healy runs with the ball during the French Top14 rugby union match between Stade Rochelais (La Rochelle) and Aviron Bayonnais at the Marcel-Deflandre Stadium in La Rochelle, western France on November 8, 2026. (Photo by XAVIER LEOTY / AFP via Getty Images)

Ben Healy will have enjoyed his second La Rochelle start much more than his first, after Ronan O’Gara’s side held firm to win a hard-fought encounter against Bayonne 22-18 at Stade Marcel Deflandre.

As well as two conversions, the former Munster fly-half landed an important penalty early in the final quarter that opened up a decisive gap between the sides, as the Rochelais ended their own losing streak and condemned Bayonne to a third defeat in a row.