Ireland No.8 Jack Conan eyed by Top 14 giants Racing 92

Ireland and Lions star Jack Conan is on the radar of Top 14 strugglers Racing 92 as they step up attempts to replace departed Springbok superstar Siya Kolisi.

Kolisi, who has captained the Springboks to back-to-back World Cup successes, has returned to the Sharks this summer after disappointingly lasting less than a year into a three-year deal.

Stuart Lancaster has said the Paris-based side, who have lost three of their four games this season, will stick with what they have got this season and, with Kolisi’s £726,000 transfer fee to spend, will do business next summer.

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Bray-born Conan, 32, has made over 150 appearances since joining Leinster in 2014. He won the European Cup in 2018 and four Pro 14 titles before last extending his contract with the IRFU in March 2023.

The No.8, who can also operate as a blindside flanker, has won 46 caps for Ireland, played in their 2018 and 2023 Grand Slam-winning sides and started all three test matches on the Lions 2021 tour to South Africa.

Conan, who captained Leinster for their United Rugby Championship season-opener in Edinburgh, has increasingly had to play second fiddle to Caelan Doris for both club and country, finding himself on the bench for big matches.

He became a father for the first time this summer when his wife Ali gave birth to a baby girl, Remi. He says that it’s given him a new focus other than rugby, and he could decide it’s time to see what life has to offer outside Ireland.

“The best thing that’s ever happened. There was no partying about in Mykonos or things you might be doing during your time off. Things change pretty quickly and definitely make you realise what’s important in life and what’s not.

“I think it’s kind of made me screw my head on a little bit more in some regards, so I feel a bit more centred, which is good. I’ve got a more important thing in life at home to look after, so I probably have a bit more balance now,” he said.