Paddy will be in demand, despite Clermont rebuff

FOR fans these days, when their team signs a new player from overseas, Google is the first port of call. Unfortunately for Paddy Jackson, that’s what he now has to contend with as he looks for his next employers.

He and Stuart Olding both had their contracts with Ulster and Ireland revoked over the weekend despite being acquitted of raping the same woman in June 2016.

Aside from the still raging controversy, it is not hard to see why a player of Jackson’s stature, and of course one available at this time of the year and with no international commitments during the season, would appeal in a rugby sense.

And while the decision was taken that he would no longer be able to represent his native province or land, there is little doubt he will be snapped up by someone soon.

However, it would appear that team will not be Clermont.

The French champions were thought to be the front-runner for his services, but head coach Franck Azema took the unusual step yesterday of posting a statement on their website distancing themselves from reports, citing sufficient depth and a lack of budget.

“There is no contact between Paddy Jackson and the club and no desire on our part to engage his services,” he said.

“I trust our squad in this position where we do not lack resources with Camille Lopez, Patricio Fernandez, Isaia Toeava and Dorian Lavernhe who continues to progress and whom we trust.

“With the constraints imposed by the salary cap, it is not possible to strengthen the position where the internal solutions are numerous.”

That statement followed a similar denial of interest from Exeter Chiefs over the weekend, while London Irish, now the home of former Ulster Director of Rugby Les Kiss, refused to comment on their position.

The denials have been swift, but one still assumes that with enough distance, and perhaps a language barrier, employment will still come soon enough.

Quite apart from where Jackson (above) ends up, there remains a large gap in Ulster’s squad.

Regardless of opinion on the decision to revoke the 26-yearold’s contract, there can be no denying his ability as a player.

In his mid-20s and of international quality — rare attributes in an Ulster squad facing a battle for Champions Cup qualification — in other circumstances, he’s a player the province couldn’t countenance losing.

As it is, replacing him requires the pulling of a rabbit from a hat.

Looking for quality in the market at this time of year is akin to finding a needle in a haystack.

Especially given the proximity to the World Cup in 2019, players of standard have likely been snapped up. Ulster find themselves the equivalent of a shopper in search of Christmas presents on December 24. Everything good is gone but both you and the seller know that you need something, anything, either way.

Barring the uncovering of news that Beauden Barrett has always wanted to know why there’s such a fuss about Ballyhackamore, Christian Leali’ifano would seem sure to be the most popular choice with the fanbase.

The Australian was taken to heart quickly during his short spell at Kingspan Stadium earlier this season and the feeling certainly seemed mutual. The player said he would not be ruling out a return in the future when he headed back to Brumbies earlier this year.

The Wallaby has been back at 12 for the Canberra outfit of late, but is out of contract after the Super Rugby season, though whether he fits into national coach Michael Cheika’s plans will have a bearing too.

World rugby’s biggest-name free agent, Leali’ifano’s compatriot Quade Cooper, remains available, but there didn’t seem to be anything more than cursory interest from either party when a short-term solution was sought in January.

Looking south will always be an option too with Leinster’s overflowing cupboard sure to get one or two envious glances.

Joey Carbery has already stated his lack of interest in leaving the RDS outfit, though he and Ross Byrne have got plenty of minutes in the blue No.10 jersey this season.

In limbo no longer, whatever happens Ulster must act swiftly.