the No. 10 file drags on in Clermont, new refusal from Ford

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Clermont is struggling, but still cannot complete the recruitment of two openers for next season. ASM saw the English opener George Ford refuses his second offerwhich constitutes a real disappointment for the Auvergne club. He now has a new priority track and hopes that it will be concluded.

Clermont: second refusal of George Ford

George Ford, 31 years old and 98 caps, was Clermont’s No. 1 target for the No. 10 position for next season. With the retirement at the end of the season of Benjamin Urdapilleta, ASM wanted to strike hard and acquire a big-caliber flyhalf.

According to information fromAt the time of RugbyFord, who still figures in the plans of the XV de la Rose since lined up twice during this autumn tour (a visit to France would close the doors to the national selection), refused a second offer from Clermont.

At the same time, the option leading to New Zealander Harry Plummer (26 years old; 1 selection) has completely cooled. It is even almost abandoned. The trail leading to the Irishman Ross Byrne is buried.

A new priority track

The refusal of Ford, current Sale player, would have disappointed the leaders of Clermont who would have decided to concentrate their forces towards another player. According to information fromAt the time of Rugbythe ASM would even have a new priority track: the Argentinian Thomas Albornoz (27 years old; 14 caps).

Only problem: he, who is currently playing the autumn tour with the Pumas, is under contract until 2026 with the Italian club Benetton. It will therefore be necessary to negotiate on this last year of the contract, which the ASM would be inclined to do.

Hervé close, proposal to Belleau

Finally, it is still under discussion with Toulonnais Enzo Hervé (26 years old). The latter has an option year in his contract at the RCT, but is thinking very seriously about the interest of the ASM. This avenue has a good chance of succeeding. The ASM is looking for at least one JIFF No. 10.

At the end of his contract in June 2025, fly-half or center Anthony Belleau (28 years old) would have received a contract extension, but his future is quite unclear. As indicated by The Mountain, Belleau is in the Top 3 of the highest paid players in the squad, and that is a concern.

If it drags on, the file for No. 10 in Clermont could be resolved soon.

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