Perpignan president Francois Riviere has played down expectations that his club are favourites to land Springbok scrumhalf Faf de Klerk.
The 34-year-old is nearing the end of his contract with Japan Rugby League One outfit the Yokohama Canon Eagles and has been linked with a move back to Europe, having previously played for the Sale Sharks.
Another French Top 14 club, Pau, are also reportedly interested in De Klerk, who returned to South Africa in December for treatment after suffering an ankle injury in Canon’s opening-round JRLO clash.
Perpignan currently have three No 9s – Tom Ecochard, James Hall and Gela Aprasidze – all in the final six months of their contracts, prompting the club to assess the market as they battle to climb off the foot of the Top 14 table.
RASSIE: Faf still part of our plans
However, Riviere suggested De Klerk’s pedigree comes with a price tag that may push Perpignan to consider alternatives.
“We don’t know,” Riviere said on the 100% USAP show on France Bleu. “He’s in Japan, he’s nearing the end of his career, he’s 35 [in October]. He’s not cheap. I think he’s the frontrunner.
“But I believe that between now and tomorrow, [head coach] Laurent Labit will meet with other players for that position.”
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Riviere added that Perpignan’s renewed pulling power on the transfer market was encouraging, pointing to recent high-profile interest as proof the club is moving in the right direction.
“USAP has once again become a club that attracts players on the sporting front,” he said. “The region has always been attractive, but what’s new is that the club is appealing again competitively.
“The financial situation is very well managed, the new training centre is reassuring, and players feel secure.”
Photo: Koki Nagahama/Getty Images
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