Nakarawa’s ‘Racing exit’ gain pace

Conjecture surrounding where Racing secondrow Leone Nakarawa will end up playing his rugby is mounting following an appearance by the forward in the UK. Nakarawa was named EPCR European Player of the Year last week, with the big Fijian lock helping Racing 92 to reach the Champions Cup final in which they were narrowly defeated by Leinster at Bilbao’s San Mamés Stadium.

In recent weeks it has been rumoured that the Fijian is not happy at the Parisian giants and is seeking to move back to the UK, with two clubs having been linked with the formidable lock.

The Scotsman are reporting that he is unhappy at the club despite the side’s superstar status in Europe and is eager to return to Glasgow Warriors. Adding to those rumours, he was spotted at Glasgow’s Pro14 semi-final match with Scarlets in Scotstoun on Friday night. However, the Warriors may not be able to compete with salaries on offer elsewhere. The Scotsman report that he is currently on £380,000 at Racing, a figure that Glasgow may not be able to stretch to.

He has also been linked with a move to Northampton Saints. Saints last week added England veteran James Haskell to their books but may well be interested in signing a player as versatile as Nakarawa, who is equally adept in the backrow as at lock. Saints have announced the departure of 17 players, including a number of back five forwards.

Rugby Pass revealed him as our choice for the world best player in 2017and he remains one of the game’s most potent attacking weapons. - Rugby Pass