Leinster’s Jack Conan scores his side’s first try against Dragons in URC action last Friday. Photo: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile
Racing 92 are lining up a move for Leinster and Ireland No 8 Jack Conan.
Stuart Lancaster is on the lookout for a back-row after losing Siya Kolisi who has returned to South Africa after the Sharks bought out the remaining years of his contract for a reported €750,000 fee.
The former Leinster senior coach worked with Conan for seven seasons and he is a big admirer of the No 8.
The story was first reported by RugbyPass and the Irish Independent understands that Racing’s interest is genuine.
Conan’s Leinster contract is understood to run until the end of this season and his home province are preparing an offer to try and retain his services.
Although he plays in the same position as new club captain Caelan Doris, Conan remains a key player for Leinster and Ireland.
He sat out the summer tour of South Africa for personal reasons, but he’ll have a big role to play in November and remains firmly in contention to go on a second Lions tour next summer if fit.
He started all three Tests for the Lions against the Springboks in 2021, but despite being a regular in Andy Farrell’s matchday 23s the No 8 has never been on a central IRFU contract.
He’d still be one of Leinster’s better paid players and the province will be hopeful that the prospect of staying and winning trophies with his home province, while also remaining eligible for Ireland through to the 2027 World Cup, will be enough to see him spurn the advances from France.
However, Conan will know that this may be his last big contract and he and his young family could yet be tempted by the allure of playing alongside Owen Farrell in rugby’s most competitive league while living in Paris.
Conan is one of a number of key Ireland players who are out of contract at the end of this season and there has already been speculation in France linking Tadhg Furlong with a move to Bayonne.
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