Controversial fly-half Paddy Jackson confirms new club after departing London Irish

The 31-year-old star has been without a club since London Irish unfortunately folded, but his fortunes are set to change with a potential career lifeline from the big-spending Lyon side.

Jackson, renowned for his skill and precision on the field, boasts an impressive international career, having represented Ireland 25 times between 2013 and 2017. Prior to his move to Lyon, he spent a fruitful season in Perpignan during the 2018/19 campaign. However, his journey hasn't been without its challenges.

Back in 2018, Jackson faced a tumultuous period when his contract with Ulster and the IRFU was revoked in the aftermath of a high-profile Belfast trial.

Despite being found not guilty of rape alongside his teammate Stuart Olding, the fallout resulted in their departure from the team. Undeterred by the setback, Jackson ventured to the south of France, joining Perpignan for a year before making his way to London Irish.

Under the guidance of former Ireland coach Declan Kidney, Jackson flourished during his time with London Irish, amassing an impressive tally of 91 appearances for the Exiles.

His contributions to the team were invaluable, and he emerged as the Premiership's top points' scorer in the previous season. However, the club faced financial difficulties this year, ultimately leading to their administration and leaving Jackson without a club once again.

After the World Cup, Racing 92, the esteemed French rugby club, has expressed their interest in acquiring the services of Smith, initiating discussions about a potential move to Paris.

According to the Mail Online, Smith has a year remaining on his contract at Harlequins but Racing are exploring the option of a buy-out to land him next season.

Finn Russell’s departure for Bath during the summer has prompted Parisian club to identify Marcus Smith as an exciting replacement, particularly after his impressive performance at La Defense Arena in the Champions Cup.

Currently earning approximately £450,000 per season as a player for Harlequins in the Premiership, Smith could become one of the highest-paid players globally if he makes the move.

The Rugby Paper had previously reported Racing 92’s keen interest in signing the talented playmaker at the conclusion of the 2023/24 season.

Racing, who will be coached by former England boss Stuart Lancaster, have already confirmed the signing of South Africa captain Siya Kolisi for next season.

There are unconfirmed reports that Smith faces a battle to make England’s World Cup squad following the re-emergence of George Ford.

Currently clueless, reports suggest Cowan-Dickie has decided to turn down an enticing opportunity to play in France and instead join one of Exeter Chiefs’ direct rivals in the Premiership.

Contrary to previous reports in The Rugby Paper linking the hooker with a move to Stade Francais, the Mail Online reveals that he will be joining Sale Sharks.

The addition of another British and Irish Lion to Sale Sharks’ pack would be a significant boost for the team, especially after their loss in the Premiership finals, where a malfunctioning lineout played a part in their defeat against Saracens.

If the deal comes to fruition, it would also be a welcome development for national coach Steve Borthwick, as Cowan-Dickie’s eligibility for Test selection after this year’s World Cup would be secured.

According to the latest report, Cowan-Dickie is currently experiencing a slow and frustrating recovery from neck surgery.

Nonetheless, he has already completed one medical examination at Sale Sharks, and if he successfully completes a second one, he will join Jonny Hill and Tom O’Flaherty in making the move from Exeter to the Sharks.

Saracens are edging closer to finalizing a deal to bring Watson to StoneX Stadium for the upcoming season, as reported by the Evening Standard.

They currently hold a strong position in the competition to secure the services of the England wing after the World Cup in France, according to sources at Standard Sport.

Although Watson's current club, Leicester, has made efforts to retain the 29-year-old player in the East Midlands beyond the summer, the likelihood of the Tigers keeping the highly experienced speedster is slim.

Another potential suitor for Watson is French Top 14 team Castres, but a move across the English Channel would likely diminish his opportunities to represent England after the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

Watson has openly expressed his desire to be closer to his family in Surrey, and this factor could sway the balance in favor of Saracens.

Former England winge Yarde, who is 31 years old, will be in search of a new club during the upcoming summer. 

This decision stems from the news that his contract with French team Bayonne will not be extended.

Yarde, who has previously played for Harlequins, London Irish, and Sale Sharks, had an unremarkable record, failing to score a try in his six appearances in both the Challenge Cup and Top 14 competitions.

He is reportedly seeking a return to the Gallagher Premiership.

RUCK sources suggest that Bath are at the front of the queue to sign sensational London Irish speedster Henry Arundell following his clubs suspension from the Gallagher Premiership.

RUCK understands that Bath, who have previously signed England stars Anthony Watson, Jonathan Joseph and Joe Cokanasiga from the Exiles, are the front-runner to sign Arundell.

After making his Gallagher Premiership debut away to Bristol Bears, he continued his try-scoring form with four more tries in three appearances against Leicester Tigers, which included a brace in the Premiership Rugby Cup semi-final. 

Arundell inspired a comeback draw over Wasps with a try and assist in a 20-minute cameo that proved vital in the Club's first Heineken Champions Cup qualification in a decade, too capturing the imaginations of the wider rugby world with a 93-metre try against RC Toulonnais in the EPCR Challenge Cup. 

Accolades naturally followed for Arundell, foremostly being named the Land Rover Discovery of the Season at the 2022 Premiership Rugby Awards, which had previously been awarded to Maro Itoje of Saracens and Exeter Chiefs' Henry Slade. 

Arundell, accompanied by teammate Will Joseph, joined the England touring squad for the July 2022 tour of Australia and was named on the bench for the first test in Perth. 

Speaking to Devon Live having just put in an impressive display in the Barbarians’ 48-42 victory over the World XV at Twickenham the day after the Premiership final, Maunder said: “I don’t know what the future holds.

"The last few months have taught me to enjoy rugby and live in the present a little more. I am not going to try and think too far ahead.

"I will be sad that I am not going to be a Exeter next season and I am going to be sad that I am going to wake up tomorrow and have to say goodbye to a very special group of lads who have made my week really special.”

Saracens' No. 8 Vunipola, is exploring his options in Japan with his future yet to be decided.

According to The Telegraph, Vunipola is expected to stay with Saracens for the next season, forming part of a formidable back-row lineup that includes Tom Willis, Ben Earl, Theo McFarland, and Andy Christie.

However, according to The Rugby Paper, he may join former England coach Eddie Jones in Japan.

They believe that Tokyo Sungoliath, who has a longstanding consultancy agreement with Jones, is the frontrunner to secure Vunipola's signature.

Their current No. 8, Tevita Tatafu, is set to depart for Bordeaux after this season, and Vunipola is being considered as a potential replacement.

Although Saracens coach Mark McCall recently reiterated that Vunipola is under contract for the 2023-24 season, his outlook may have changed following the signing of Willis in January.

During Eddie Jones's tenure as England coach, Vunipola was one of his most trusted players, earning 47 caps under the Australian.

Racing 92 have also been mentioned as possible suitor for Vunipola. However, he is currently focused on recovering from a knee operation to be fit for the upcoming 2023 Rugby World Cup.