Leaving Connacht, a Christmas break, and life in ProD2 - Eoghan Masterson's new life in France

Through his nine seasons with Connacht, Eoghan Masterson had become well accustomed to the busy Christmas schedule.

Back to back Interpros between Christmas and the new year always mean indulgence is kept to a minimum for the professionals in this country, but having departed the province at the end of last season, the Portlaoise man is looking forward to putting his feet up after a relentless start to life in the bearpit of ProD2 in France.

The 29-year-old was released by Connacht in the summer, embarking on a new journey in the French second tier with Aurillac, and so far he's proven to be a hit.

Exactly half way through the regular season, the flanker/second row has been almost ever-present, playing 13 of their 15 games, and 12 of those from the start, while his 874 minutes on the pitch is more than double what he managed in the whole of last season.

Following last weekend's win away to Rouen, Masterson and his Aurillac side aren't back in action until 5 January, allowing him to take "full advantage" of the break and return home.

"We've been told to go off and enjoy Christmas as best we can," he tells the RTÉ Rugby podcast. It sounds more like an order than a recommendation.

"Obviously the Interpros over Christmas are massive games that you're really keen to play in, but it goes hand in hand. You can’t be a professional rugby player and expect to enjoy your Christmas like that as well, you have to choose one or the other, which was the case for the last nine years in Connacht.

"I’m not complaining about the break in the ProD2."

It's just under a year since he got the news that every rugby player dreads, that there would be no contract on offer for him in 2022/23.

Despite being a centurion at the province, and having played 19