RONAN O’GARA, RACING 92′s assistant coach, has poured cold water on speculation suggesting Simon Zebo has signed a pre-contract agreement with the French club — but says they are chasing his signature.
Zebo this week announced his decision to leave Munster amid interest from several French clubs and although it has been widely-reported that Racing have secured his services, O’Gara insists it’s not a done deal yet.
Writing in his weekly column for The Irish Examiner, the former Ireland out-half says four Top 14 clubs are ‘seriously’ interested in signing Zebo.
“This is awkward. There seems to be a presumption that Simon Zebo is moving from Munster to Racing 92 next season,” O’Gara said.
“I’ve been even called the equivalent of Tadhg Kennelly. This much I know: Simon Zebo will move to France’s Top 14 after this season. Yes, we are in the frame. But this is a fast-moving story and as late as last night I was told there are four Top 14 clubs seriously interested in acquiring his services — and more than willing to flash the cash to do so.
“Until his club of choice says he’s coming, until Simon signs something, there are no other facts I can confirm. I’m not being clever. Racing want Zebo, but until someone tells me otherwise, it’s no done deal.”
Zebo was yesterday left out of Joe Schmidt’s Ireland squad for the November internationals, with the head coach sending a clear message to the fullback after his decision to move abroad.
The 27-year-old, capped 35-times by Ireland, starts for the southern province in tonight’s Pro14 inter-pro against Connacht in Galway.
Subscribe to The42 podcasts here:
