Rugby League's Regan Grace reportedly set to join Racing 92

Super League star Regan Grace is reportedly changing codes, leaving St Helens to cross the channel and join Racing 92 this summer.

French outlet RugbyRama and Midi Olympique report that Grace’s career in rugby league is coming to an end, suggesting a one-year deal with the option of a second has been signed with the Parisians.

The short length of the apparent contract implies Grace may not be set on a long-term switch to union just yet, or rather that he will test the water in the fifteen man code before making a decision on his future.

Grace grew up playing rugby union, potentially meaning his transition back into the code will be relatively smooth compared other league stars.

Grace has already garnered plenty of interest from rugby union clubs across England, Wales and France; while St Helens boss Kristian Woolf made known his desire to keep the young Welshman under contract at the Super League club. Despite his best efforts, it seems the 25-year-old is destined for Paris.

Grace first joined St Helens in 2016 and became a three-time Super League champion in the years to follow, featuring in the three-peat side that dominated the league between 2019 and 2021. He also won the League Leaders’ Shield in 2018 and 2019 and the Challenge Cup in 2021.

With the departure of Teddy Thomas, Racing are in need of a replacement winger and they seem to believe Grace could be the answer. Versatile Springbok Warrick Gelant has already on his way to Les Ciel et Blanc from the Stormers to sure up the backline, but Grace can provide an added clinical edge, having scored a total of 72 Super League tries and 13 Challenge Cup tries for the Saints.

The Parisians have also employed French lock Cameron Woki and Fijian centre Asaeli Tuivuaka to strengthen the squad.

News of the alleged transfer comes a day after St Helens travelled over to France to face the Catalans Dragons.