Transfer speculation in Covid-affected French rugby, it turns out, is like buses – not much happens for ages, and then several things heat up all at once. Most of the Top 14 player market remains internal, as clubs deal with those pesky JIFF regulations.
Simon Zebo had Irish rugby hearts a-flutter as he dangled the prospect of a return to Munster and the prospect of one last World Cup shot when his current contract with Racing 92 finishes in June.
The full-back, 30, who gave up his international hopes when he left Ireland for the Paris suburbs in 2018, to team up with the likes of Finn Russell, Virimi Vakatawa and Juan Imhoff, said this week: “I am very close to having made a decision. Both options have their good side: I love my life in Paris, I would like to help Racing win the Champions Cup, but the idea of one day playing again in Munster and playing in the World Cup is also very attractive. I'll settle all that next week.”
There has long been speculation about Zebo's future. It was reported last March that he was ready to exercise the one-year extension clause in his contract, while there were also brief rumours of a possible trans- Atlantic adventure in America's MLR.
Reports now suggest that Racing's bosses, impressed by his form since he returned from a foot injury that delayed the start of his season, want to extend his stay.
Zebo scored one and saved one as Racing entertained a patched-up Lyon side – featuring Alfred Parisien, on his Top 14 debut – alongside winger Josua Tuisova in the centre at La Defense Arena. But, they allowed the visitors back into the game after opening up an 18-0 early lead – and it took a late 70m interception try from Francois Trinh-Duc to ensure the points. The final score was a 34-26.
Argentinian Emiliano Boffelli, who arrived in January amid expectations he would be the club's long-term solution at 15, had his first outing in club colours off the bench, coming on for 20 minutes.
Racing's opponents yesterday also hit the recruitment headlines in France this week. After reportedly missing out on the race to sign young Quins' star Marcus Smith, Lyon – who have signed France international Romain Taofifenua from Toulon as a replacement for Izack Rodda, who is heading back to Australia – turned their attention to another Premiership club. They have reportedly been in talks to bring Wasps' Lima Sapoaga to Stade Gerland.
The future of Zebo's club teammate Teddy Thomas, currently on Six Nations duty with France, has also been the subject of speculation this week, after it was reported Racing were ready to let him go at the end of the season.
“I love my life in Paris but playing in a World Cup is also very attractive” – Simon Zebo
Surprisingly, the news did not, it seems, send representatives of rival clubs running to the winger's door. An apparently preferred move to Toulouse –where he would replace the retiring Yoann Huget –would depend on Thomas taking a pay cut, while Toulon are said to be the only other club to have declared an interest. But imagine that Toulouse backline with Thomas in it.
To be honest, he may be a bit of a luxury, even after Huget's retirement. They're not shy of speedsters at Ernest Wallon. Both Cheslin Kolbe and Matthis Lebel – expect to see him in France colours sooner rather than later – scored as Toulouse beat Pau 31- 9 on Friday. Huget did, too, to extend the Top 14 leaders' unbeaten run to nine games.
Beyond the Thomas' speculation, Toulon – historically an annual transfer-rumour magnet – have again been pretty quiet. News of Kieran Brookes' switch from Wasps, which was first reported in the UK about a month ago, is regarded as a done-deal here, while former Glasgow lock Brian Alainu'uese has extended his stay in the Var to 2023.
In the late game La Rochelle beat Toulon 29-11. La Rochelle's winning tries came from Raymond Rhule and Samuel Lagrange. Ihaia West added 17 points with the boot.
Castres have bagged Ben Botica from Bordeaux, and persuaded Ben Urdapilleta to extend his stay for one more season, but there has been a burst of speculation about the future of Rory Kockott.
The Marmite scrum-half said late last year that he expected to finish his career at Castres at the end of the 21/22 season, after agreeing a oneyear contract extension. But reports suggest the club are keen to bring in former Clermont academy nine Charlie Cassang from ProD2 promotion- chasers Oyonnax – managed by former Castres defence coach Joe El- Abd.
Kockott was captain as Castres entertained Montpellier and scored a try, while Urdapilleta ran in two more, as well as landing four conversions and five penalties as the hosts won 48-17, to leave Philippe Saint- Andre's side looking nervously over their shoulder to Bayonne-Brive tomorrow.
Bayone host Brive –who signed Scarlets' lock Tavita Ratuva about a month ago – in one of the last regular Sunday-evening matches of the season. A bonus-point win would move them level on points with Montpellier.
Bordeaux proved they have little need of new blood on the wings as they beat Stade Francais 44-6. It's back rows they need –which is why they have picked up Louis Picamoles from Montpellier.
The remaining match of the weekend, between Agen and Clermont, was postponed because of positive Covid-19 tests in the Clermont camp.
