Paddy Jackson is poised for a return to the Top 14 – report

Former Ireland international Paddy Jackson is set to return to France following the recent collapse of London Irish. The Gallagher Premiership club were suspended by the RFU from taking part in any tournaments in 2023/24 due to its failed takeover bid by an American-led consortium and the lack of assurance from current owner Mick Crossan that he would continue to fund the Exiles.

The situation resulted in London Irish falling into administration and the consequence has been that all of their players are now free agents.

The break-up of the squad that finished in fifth place in the English top-flight began last Wednesday when Chunya Munga was unveiled as a new signing by Northampton, recruitment news that was followed the next day by the confirmation that uncapped England prospect Tom Pearson would also be joining Phil Dowson’s team at Franklin’s Gardens.

Other moves have since been confirmed, such as Bristol snapping up Benhard Janse van Rensburg, while there is plenty of speculation about players whose futures still have to be officially decided. One of those is Jackson.

He was initially linked with a possible move to Newcastle that would keep him in the Premiership, particularly as Tian Schoeman has exited the Falcons. However, French sports newspaper L’Equipe have instead claimed that Jackson is joining Lyon for the new Top 14 season as their replacement for the recently released ex-All Blacks out-half Lima Sopoaga.

A report read: “According to our information, Irish international opener Paddy Jackson will join Lyon next season. It is a nice pick for them. In search of an out-half for next season after the departure of New Zealander Lima Sopoaga and especially the injury of Leo Berdeu, the Rhone club have obtained the agreement of Paddy Jackson.

"Like many others, the Irish international out-half (31 years, 25 caps) will leave London Irish, who were suspended by the RFU from all competition next season following financial difficulties.

“This season, Jackson has made 23 appearances for the English club, all as a starter. He will thus return to the Top 14 after playing for a year in Perpignan during the 2018/2019 season.

"According to our information, Lyon tried to recruit Clermont’s Jules Plisson but the club refused to release him. The track leading to Australian international Noah Lolesio was studied by Lyon.”