England and Saracens trio linked with French switch
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Following the confirmation that Saracens will be relegated at the end of the current season, three of their top players have been linked with a move to TOP14 side Lyon.
Lyon currently sit in second place on the Top 14 table, three points adrift from Bordeaux Begles, and featured in the Champions Cup for the first time this season.
The Rugby Paper has reported that the TOP 14 club could sign England and Saracens trio Owen Farrell, Maro Itoje and Billy Vunipola.
FRONT: Lyon offer an escape route to Saracens trio
— The Rugby Paper (@TheRugbyPaper) January 19, 2020
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Lyon are in search of a top flyhalf to replace Jonathan Wisniewski who is expected to retire at the end of the season. The club were linked to Ireland and Leinster star Jonathan Sexton but the now Ireland captain is unlikely to leave mid-contract.
Liam Gill is also set to depart Lyon with Connacht flanker Colby Faingaa set to join the side. According to the report by the Rugby Paper, the club are keen to sign a flyhalf, no.8 and lock.
With the current situation at Saracens, the trio could depart to France as Saracens look to cut their wage bill.
The Paper also spoke to a leading player agent who told Neil Fissler that the RFU will revoke the exceptional circumstances rule to allow England Internationals to play their club rugby where they like.
He told the paper that the RFU won't further punish the players who have been forced abroad due to their club's mistakes.
