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The Six Nations is on a break and the transfer rumours have swooped in to fill the void. From forgotten Scottish internationals making shock moves to France to a potential scrum-half crisis in Dublin, the stories are as surprising as they are varied. Let’s dive straight in!
Last week, rumours emerged in several outlets that Ireland and Lions scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park could be on his way out of URC champions Leinster. The player has become an Irish rugby icon since joining in the province in 2016 and underlined his world class credentials with a player of the match performance against England in the Six Nations.
However, his contract at Leinster is now coming to an end and at 34 years old his longevity at test match level must reasonably be questioned. Reports are that his CV has been circulated in both France and Japan, with no firm connections to any specific clubs as of yet. Although, as one publication pointed out, reports of interest elsewhere strengthen Gibson-Park’s hand at the negotiating table with Leinster. Giving up his international status early would also limit his commercial opportunities.
On Thursday, reports in France indicated that fellow Leinster scrum-half Luke McGrath to Perpignan was a done deal. This news, whilst also casting doubt on Faf de Klerk moving to the same club, would make losing Gibson-Park in the same off-season a double-whammy for Leinster. On that basis alone, it seems unlikely.
Rating: 2/10 - feels like agent talk, so far…
This one came as quickly as it went. Reports in the Irish press suggested that current national coach Andy Farrell was in talks with English PREM club side Saracens about a return to North London - where he had success as a player and where his son, Owen, still plays. The reports were as detailed as including a possible salary offer - an eye watering 1.2 million euros - and that the move could take place after the 2027 World Cup.
However, on Thursday, Saracens took the unusual step of categorically denying any links with a move for Farrell. We have seen the likes of this elsewhere with Racing 92, whose categoric denials usually indicate the rumours are true, but the emphatic nature of this statement has - for now at least - killed the story dead. Still, one suspects there must have been something to it for the Irish press to run the story so confidently.
Rating: 1/10 - the salary detail made it feel real, but Saracens have moved quickly to kill it off.
If one seeks drama and gossip in their rugby, look no further than Biarritz. From financial investigations, to problematic owners, to being sponsored by Grindr, the club is arguably the messiest in France - and that’s saying something.
This week, reports in France suggested Canadian icon Tyler Ardron and former Scarlet Carwyn Tuipulotu were spotted touring the facilities - the same facilities took something of a hammering from former player Billy Searle in a RugbyPass interview just days before. Rooted firmly to the mid-table of the ProD2, it’s a difficult project to sell, but these back rowers would certainly be excellent signings.
Rating: NA - there’s no point guessing when it comes to Biarritz
This one caught everyone by surprise. Ben Healy’s career at Edinburgh has been a failure; when he arrived he became Scotland second choice behind Finn Russell, but his was quickly cast aside by club coach Sean Everitt - who made something of a scapegoat of him for the team’s poor form.
After a year sat on the sidelines, Healy is now reported to be closing in on a move to none other than former European champions La Rochelle. The rumours are given further credibility by rumours in La Rochelle suggesting their current fly-half, Antoine Hastoy, is set to be jettisoned by the TOP 14 club a full 3 years before the end of his current contract.
Rating: 9/10 - credible sources are saying the deal is on
Back in the URC and Italian side Benetton are stepping up their search for a new head coach. Current Cardiff man Cornel van Zyl has been linked with the job, but when asked if it was true he had interviewed for it replied he ‘probably’ hadn’t.
A far more interesting rumour is former Bulls coach Jake White. Despite his reputation for being somewhat old school, White is still revered as a head coach with one of the best track records in the game. Benetton are a club just waiting for the right person to take over: money, opportunity, talent - they could and perhaps should be contenders in the URC. If White wants it, it could be a game changing appointment.
Rating: 6/10 - The only question is how much gas Jake still has in the tank