Friday Round-Up

Remi to rescue: According to reports emerging across the French ruby press, flyhalf Remi Tales is being lined up by big spenders Racing Metro. The news comes just hours after Jonathan Sexton broke the story that he would be returning to Ireland to take up a four year contract with both Leinster and the Irish Rugby Football Union. After much deliberation, with offers from both Racing and Toulon rumoured to be on the table, Sexton opted to return to his home province and his hometown, as he and his wife look to raise their new family. With Sexton departing the club at the close of the current season, Racing owner Jacky Lorenzetti is said to be keen to nail down a replacement flyhalf before the furore of the off-season transfer market takes over. While Sexton’s loss will undoubtedly be substantial, it must be noted that Racing also possess the out half talents of Springbok Johan Goosen, who is contracted to the club beyond the end of this season. However, if Racing are to compete on both domestic and European fronts, the acquisition of 30 year old Castres man Tales could well be a smart move. With reports suggesting Tales is in a position to demand around €400,000 per season in Paris, the move may well be too lucrative to decline.

Mas out of clash: Montpellier fans are waking up to bad news this morning, as reports emerge that French international prop forward Nicolas Mas, has been ruled out of Friday’s clash with Castres. The veteran tight head has suffered a pulled muscle on his calf and loosk set to miss this weekend’s action along with the potential absence for next weekend’s round of games. With 34 year old Mas injured, along with the long-term injury sustained by David Attoub, Montpellier are left with just one fully fit prop in the shape of New Zealander Chris King. With Attoub expected to be sidelined for roughly 4 months courtesy of a ruptured bicep, King represents the sole fully fit prop and even in that, the Kiwi only arrived in French rugby at the back end of August. Currently fourth in the French Top 14, Montpellier may explore the avenue of a medical joker, with Argentine prop forward Emiliano Coria’s name having already been mentioned.

Ryan Sheady