French club interested in Olding - reports

According to a report in Midi Olympique, Irish centre Stuart Olding could be on his way to recently relegated Brive.

The former Ulster man has been looking for a new club since the IRFU terminated his contract following the high-profile court case surrounding him and provincial and international teammate Paddy Jackson.

The pair had believed to have been close to signing with Sale Sharks in the Aviva Premiership, but there was a significant backlash from fans and sponsors alike and neither deal went ahead.

Midi Olympique have reported that Olding has visited the facilities at Brive and is on very good terms with incoming coach Jeremy Davidson.

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Davidson is a former Ulster second-row who has spent the last seven years in France and has impressed in coaching roles with both Aurillac and Bordeaux. It was announced earlier this month that Davidson would take charge at Brive for the 2018/19 season, signing a three-year contract with the now Pro D2 club.

Talks are not in the official or formal stages yet, per Midi, but with Davidson’s Belfast connection and at least one season to be spent down in the Pro D2 and away from the media spotlight, the move could appeal to Olding.

Interest has seemed to cool in both Olding and Jackson since the backlash to their proposed signing at Sale, potentially putting off several of the clubs that were rumoured to be interested in the pair last month.