Leinster ‘favourites’ to land renowned French prop’s services after failing to sign Wallabies star
Leinster are leading the race for the prop's services despite interest from Top 14 clubs.
Leinster Rugby are reportedly leading the race to sign Clermont legend Rabah Slimani ahead of the 2024/25 season.
The experienced tighthead prop is renowned for his scrummaging prowess having shone for Stade Francais and Clermont in the Top 14 since 2008.
The 34-year-old is set to depart Clermont at the end of the season with Leinster’s Mike Alaalatoa joining the French side as his replacement.
Leinster swoop for Clermont legend Rabah Slimani
Leinster were reportedly interested in signing Tom O’Toole from Ulster as Alaalatoa’s replacement as well as Wallabies star Taniela Tupou.
However, O’Toole re-signed with Ulster and Tupou is expected to remain in Australia despite the demise of the Melbourne Rebels and is set to link with the Waratahs for the 2025 Super Rugby season.
Still in the market for a tighthead prop, Midi Olympique reports that Leinster are leading the race to land Slimani’s signature despite interest from multiple French clubs.
Capped 57 times by France, Slimani would become the first Frenchman to play for Leinster if he were to sign with the Irish province.
Ed Byrne, Ross Molony, Jason Jenkins and Rhys Ruddock all join Alaalatoa in leaving Leinster at the end of this season but the side has already confirmed two major new signings in the form of Springbok RG Snyman and All Black Jordie Barrett.
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Reaction
The report from Midi Olympique has caused a stir with the fans of the other Irish provinces with the IRFU reportedly blocking the likes of Connacht, Munster and Ulster from recruiting Non-Irish-Qualified props and front-rowers ahead of the new season.
Slimani would however provide cover for Tadhg Furlong during the international breaks and allow for the experienced tighthead to be rested throughout the season.
“Slimani will be 35 in October. To recruit a NIQ TH eligible for Golden Oldies rugby for most of the season is both an insult to the 24-year old Clarkson who has just signed a new contract where he should play more and would make a complete farce of refusals to other provinces,” Tim O’Connor wrote on social media platform X in response to the report.
Another reply read: “That’s… a move At 35 this is definitely the type of signing that Munster and Ulster have been ridiculed for, but he could still be more than serviceable.”
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