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2nd October 2024
10:09am BST
Ex-Leinster assistant coach Stuart Lancaster is eyeing up a potential move for Ireland number eight Jack Conan as he aims to bolster his Racing 92 squad after the departure of South African legend Siya Kolisi.
After just one year, the Springboks captain has left France to return to his former club, The Sharks, in Durban.
With a gap in his forward line, Lancaster is expected to recruit the services of 32-year-old Conan - a player he became very familiar with during his time in Dublin.
According to Rugbypass, Conan's versatility to move to blindside flank and his veteran international experience make him an attractive proposition for Lancaster.
An approach for the Ireland star expected to be made by the French side early next year.
The Bray native will undoubtedly have a strong feeling of allegiance to his home province.
However, contention with Caelan Doris for his shirt, and the prospect of a big paycheque as he prepares to enter the twilight of his career, could very much peak his interest.
Conan has made over 150 appearances since joining Leinster in 2014. He won the European Cup in 2018 and four Pro 14 titles before last extending his contract with the IRFU in March 2023.
He has won 46 caps for Ireland, played in their 2018 and 2023 Grand Slam-winning sides and started all three test matches on the Lions 2021 tour to South Africa.
The three-time Six Nations winner became a father for the first time this summer when his wife Ali gave birth to a baby girl, Remi.
He spoke to Rugbypass about the impact becoming a father has had on him so far.
"The best thing that’s ever happened," he said. There was no partying about in Mykonos or things you might be doing during your time off. Things change pretty quickly and definitely make you realise what’s important in life and what’s not."
He continued: "I think it’s kind of made me screw my head on a little bit more in some regards, so I feel a bit more centred, which is good. I’ve got a more important thing in life at home to look after, so I probably have a bit more balance now."
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