Racing leave door ajar for Lydiate

Editor

Racing-Metro have opened the door for the potential departure of Dan Lydiate, although they have not received transfer proposals.

Racing-Metro have opened the door for the potential departure of Wales flanker Dan Lydiate, although backs coach Laurent Travers insisted Thursday that the Parisians had as yet received no proposals from other clubs.

French sports daily L’Equipe claimed on Tuesday that the Welsh trio of centre Jamie Roberts, scrum-half Mike Phillips and 26-year-old Lydiate wanted to leave Racing for clubs in their homeland.

“They are players under contract with Racing-Metro 92 (until June 2016) and who remain under contract with Racing-Metro 92, contrary to all that has been written and dreamt up on any number of issues, which in my opinion comes more from the Welsh side than the French,” Travers told reporters Thursday.

Asked specifically about the 37-times capped Lydiate, who was not named in Racing’s squad for this weekend’s European Champions Cup match against Northampton, Travers said: “If he were to receive a proposal, which is not on the agenda, we’re prepared to look at the situation.

“But as of today, contrary to what has been written, there has been no proposal from anyone.”

Phillips, Roberts and Wales lock Luke Charteris were all named in the Racing squad to play Northampton.

Wales coach Warren Gatland insisted Tuesday that the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) had not “instigated contact with the players”.

“But we are aware that one or two of them are keen to return to Wales sooner rather than later,” Gatland said.

Racing coach Laurent Labit admitted Tuesday that departing the club had been raised with the Welsh players, saying: “We have raised the subject (of leaving) with them. They have never really been that effective since their arrival.”

Reports in Wales suggest that Lydiate could be back in Wales on a dual contract within a fortnight, but which region he would join remains an unanswered question.