According to our information, Racing 92 president Laurent Travers closely followed Rob Valetini during the Wallabies' autumn tour of Europe, with the aim of recruiting a high-level number 8 for next season.
At 26, the powerful third row of the Brumbies, who could win his 51st cap this Sunday against Scotland, seems to be an ideal target. However, his contract with Rugby Australia until 2027 complicates negotiations.
At the same time, Travers is also looking to replace Donovan Taofifenua, who left for Montpellier, with a renowned winger. The president would nevertheless favor a JIFF player, which could influence his decision regarding Valetini.
Bayonne in search of reinforcements
Bayonne is active on the transfer market and has entered into in-depth discussions with South African scrum-half Herschel Jantjies. At 28, the 2019 world champion with the Springboks is at the end of his contract with the Stormers. After a videoconference interview with the Basque club, Jantjies seems ready to take the plunge and join Rowing next summer.
The club is looking to strengthen its number 9 position, while Guillaume Rouet and Maxime Machenaud are reaching the end of their contracts and may not extend.
Teddy Thomas would extend to La Rochelle
Furthermore, French winger Teddy Thomas should finally extend his adventure in La Rochelle for two additional seasons, according to At the time of Rugby. A decision which disappoints Biarritz, his training club, and Bayonne, also interested in his profile.
Moved to the second center position, Thomas, 31, impressed by scoring five tries in six matches, convincing the La Rochelle leaders to bet on him for years to come.
This article was published in English on RugbyPass.com and adapted into French by Willy Billiard.
