Lyon make decision after speculation linked them with Josh Adams

Wales international Josh Adams won’t be joining Lyon next season, according to the latest media reports from France. The winger, who toured South Africa in 2021 with the British and Irish Lions, was quickly linked with a switch to the Top 14 when the WRU contracts crisis blew up over the winter.

However, the regions in Wales have since struck a recent deal with the Welsh players union and with Adams already contracted with Cardiff until 2025, the plug has now reportedly been pulled on interest from France about getting him to stay on there and play locally following the completion of the Rugby World Cup.

Adams was in France last week, training with Wales in Nice before they moved north to play France in Paris in last Saturday's Guinness Six Nations round five fixture. A report on rugbyrama.fr read: “Josh Adams (28 years, 49 caps) will not be at Lyon next season.

"According to our information, Lyon have just put an end to the contacts made a few months ago with the winger of Wales and the British and Irish Lions. The case was complex due to the Cardiff player's contractual situation and his international status.

“The club decided not to pursue further the delicate negotiations with the winger and his representatives. The deal dragged on due to the player's commitment to Cardiff – he is under contract until 2025 – and his international status.

“This decision is not related to the uncertainty around the future of Josua Tuisova, supposed to join Racing 92 in the off-season but still thinking about his future. The upcoming departures of Tuisova, Tavite Veredamu, Noa Nakaitaci and Toby Arnold have so far been offset by the commitment of the very promising Thaakir Abrahams, currently at the Sharks, and Semi Radradra.

"A third recruit is expected to follow. Lyon are eyeing the southern hemisphere to find the perfect complement to their line of attack.”