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Late suitor comes to the table for Kieran Read putting Racing 92 deal in doubt


All Blacks captain Kieran Read. Photo / Hannah Peters/Getty Images
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French club Racing 92 could be ditched at the altar as All Blacks captain weighs up another potential suitor for his services at the end of 2019.

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RMC Sport is reporting that Parisian club Racing fears they may miss out Read as Japanese Top League clubs come to the table in search of his signature. He has signalled next year would be his last with the All Blacks, which has triggered an arms race for the Number 8 by overseas clubs.

Racing was believed to have tabled a massive NZD$2 million per season three-year deal following next year’s Rugby World Cup, which was thought to have been whittled down to a more manageable seven-month contract starting in November 2019 to finish the season.

The 33-year-old Read has faced significant layoffs due to back injuries in recent times that may prevent his ability to commit playing long-term, making a short-term agreement preferable.

The demands of the Top 14 would also be considered, making a trip to the less onerous Japanese Top League an attractive proposition.

The reports suggest that Read could join former All Black and Crusader Dan Carter at Kobeco Steelers, who won their first Top League title since the initial 2003/04 season last week with a convincing 55-5 win over Suntory. The Top League has a shorter season and less physical demands than European Rugby, as well as close proximity to New Zealand.

The French clubs are considering changing their recruitment laws to allow one marquee player to sit outside of the agreed salary cap, which could be made in time to counter offers from other competitions such as the Top League. If the laws are changed, it could spark an uncapped bidding war for Read to ensure he lands in France.

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Phantom 46 minutes ago
Nations Championship: 'The data shows the north has finally caught up with the south'

Fact: the gap between the North and the South has narrowed considerably - that I get. However, determining that only selecting only Home grown players or playing in the home country is is the optimal strategy is a bit of a toss up and highly reliant on the economies of the home union. I do understand that England and to a lesser degree Ireland selects home based only. The top 14 is a massive threat to their domestic product. France would probably not be affected (the money is at home). Fiji, Argentina, Samoa, Italy and you could even argue Scotland have only benefitted from this. Their players either go overseas to learn at higher levels (Fiji, Samoa, Argentina) or players coming into their leagues to strengthen the home product and their National teams (Scotland, Italy, Japan).

South Africa used to limit its selection to the home based players, but the reality of a weak currency vs what players could earn oversees meant that you lost access to your best players at some stage of their careers, with very few exceptions. Kolbe left SA as he was considered too small for International Rugby (yes coaches/selectors view), but ironically in France he forced selectors to notice his endeavors and select him. He is only reaching 50 caps now despite being north of 30 - granted rotation and the odd injury also played a role, but for the most part it is having debuted or becoming a regular so late.



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