Late suitor comes to the table for Kieran Read putting Racing 92 deal in doubt
French club Racing 92 could be ditched at the altar as All Blacks captain weighs up another potential suitor for his services at the end of 2019.
RMC Sport is reporting that Parisian club Racing fears they may miss out Read as Japanese Top League clubs come to the table in search of his signature. He has signalled next year would be his last with the All Blacks, which has triggered an arms race for the Number 8 by overseas clubs.
Racing was believed to have tabled a massive NZD$2 million per season three-year deal following next year's Rugby World Cup, which was thought to have been whittled down to a more manageable seven-month contract starting in November 2019 to finish the season.
The 33-year-old Read has faced significant layoffs due to back injuries in recent times that may prevent his ability to commit playing long-term, making a short-term agreement preferable.
The demands of the Top 14 would also be considered, making a trip to the less onerous Japanese Top League an attractive proposition.
The reports suggest that Read could join former All Black and Crusader Dan Carter at Kobeco Steelers, who won their first Top League title since the initial 2003/04 season last week with a convincing 55-5 win over Suntory. The Top League has a shorter season and less physical demands than European Rugby, as well as close proximity to New Zealand.
The French clubs are considering changing their recruitment laws to allow one marquee player to sit outside of the agreed salary cap, which could be made in time to counter offers from other competitions such as the Top League. If the laws are changed, it could spark an uncapped bidding war for Read to ensure he lands in France.
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wel the crusaders were beaten by a queensland reds side that hadnt beaten them at home since 1999 and queensland reds partied like it was 1999
Go to commentsThink it was a great defensive performance by Northampton. They didn't have stage fright in the first half, the Nienaber defense smothered them. They limited Leinster to 15-3 in the first half. It could have been over by then. A great try from Leinster in the start of the second half looked to have sealed it. But Byrne missed another conversion. Northampton started trying little kicks behind the Leinster wingers. Leinster messed one and Smith brilliantly made the conversion. Leinster decided to tighten the game after Byrne missed a straight forward penalty. A few errors got NH into the 22 and they scored and converted with a few minutes left. Another brilliant steal from Lawes saw NH have a final attack which was turned over by Conan. A classic semi final. World record attendance of 82,300. Leinsters 3 week preparation warranted for this one.
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