Racing 92's Dan Lancaster the target of former coach's would-be raid

Former Racing 92 president Laurent Travers could return to the La Défense Arena to make a surprise move for fly-half Dan Lancaster, whose contract expires at the end of the season.

Travers doesn’t officially take over as director of rugby at Bayonne until June, but he is already playing a key role in recruitment and has signed Wallaby back-row Rob Leota for next season.

His focus has now turned to fly-half reinforcements, with veteran French international Camille Lopez – who turned 36 earlier this month – considering retirement.

Stuart Lancaster on the mentors Henry Arundell has at Racing 92

Racing 92 coach Stuart Lancaster discusses the mentors young star Henry Arundell will have around him at the club, including Owen Farrell

Stuart Lancaster on the mentors Henry Arundell has at Racing 92

Racing 92 coach Stuart Lancaster discusses the mentors young star Henry Arundell will have around him at the club, including Owen Farrell

Lopez is under contract with Bayonne until the end of next season, and club president Philippe Tayeb told French media this week: “Nothing is fixed or formalised about the end of his career and his future.”

Behind the scenes, Travers has been discreetly sounding out potential replacements. Among those attracting his interest is Lancaster, whom he knows well from his time in Paris.

Lancaster, 23, has impressed for Racing since the departure of his father Stuart – sacked by the club in February – and has drawn interest from Glasgow Warriors, who are keen to exploit his Scottish eligibility via a grandmother.

While the URC club publicly distanced themselves from speculation, Travers has placed Lancaster – who has made 23 appearances this season due to Owen Farrell’s injury issues – on his shortlist.

That could add urgency to Racing’s efforts to tie the young playmaker to a new deal before their former president swoops in.

RugbyPass reported last week that French sources had indicated Racing were considering offering Lancaster a contract extension, amid interest from rival clubs and their ex-director of rugby.