Clermont target Sarries wingers

Editor

Clermont have set their sights on Saracens pair Chris Ashton and David Strettle as they look to boost their wing stocks.

The Top 14 giants are losing Napolioni Nalaga, Julien Malzieu and Jean-Marcellin Buttin at the end of the season, as well as academy product Uwa Takalo, leaving Noa Nakaitaci as the only winger in the squad.

Waisake Naholo was due to join but after a stellar Super Rugby campaign, he is expected to stay in New Zealand with the All Blacks pressuring Clermont to pull out of their deal.

As a result, Clermont are desperately searching for some options out wide, and Ashton and Strettle are both possibilities according to the Midi Olympique.

Both have been included in England’s preliminary World Cup squad, Clermont see Ashton as a potential replacement for Nalaga as a pure finisher, while Strettle’s all-round game is popular with Franck Azéma.

While neither has signed a contract, Clermont are believed to be hopeful of securing at least one of the two, with Semesa Rokoduguni, Marvin O’Connor and Wandile Mjekevu among others in their sights.