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Six Nations

Joe Marchant emphatically responds to rumours over Premiership return

By Josh Raisey

324 days ago

Joe Marchant of England looks on during the Rugby World Cup France 2023 match between Argentina and England at Stade de France on October 27, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Gaspafotos/MB Media/Getty Images)

Stade Francais centre Joe Marchant has said that he is “happy in Paris” amid rumours that he has signed for Gallagher Premiership champions Saracens next season.

A report emerged from the Daily Mail on Wednesday that the 26-cap England international was set to join Saracens next season, ending his one-year stint in the Top 14 and making him eligible to play Test rugby again.

However, ahead of Stade Francais’ league clash with Oyonnax this Saturday, the 27-year-old denied signing a deal with Saracens, saying he is happy in Paris.

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“I didn’t sign for Saracens,” Marchant said in a press conference on Thursday in French. “I’m happy in Paris, the Club is fantastic! I’m ready for this weekend.”

Marchant is ineligible to play for England currently as he is not playing in the Premiership- a rule that is increasingly coming under scrutiny. He signed a deal to join the Parisian outfit from Harlequins at the end of 2022 after missing out on Eddie Jones’ Autumn Nations Series squad.

Since signing the deal, a lot has happened in English rugby, with Steve Borthwick replacing Jones as the England head coach. Borthwick opted to select Marchant for both the 2023 Guinness Six Nations and the World Cup, despite knowing the centre would be departing at the end of the season.

Marchant will be missed this coming Six Nations with injuries to both Manu Tuilagi and Ollie Lawrence. In their absence, Northampton Saints’ Fraser Dingwall is set to make his debut in the England No12 jersey on Saturday against Italy, and will partner Henry Slade in the midfield.

Meanwhile, Marchant will hope to keep the pressure on Top 14 leaders Racing 92 this Saturday with a win over Oyonnax. Stade Francais currently sit in second place in the league, just three points behind their Parisian rivals, who face Perpignan on Saturday as well.

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Comments on RugbyPass

Barry 50 minutes ago

'Springbok Galacticos can't go it alone for trophy-hunting Sharks'

Always has elevated the profile of African rugby?

They didn't do much for the games profile from 1981 - 1992. Not in a positive sense at least.

5 Go to comments

Bull Shark 58 minutes ago

'Tom has the potential to be better than a British and Irish Lion'

What does “better than a British Lion” mean?

As good as a springbok?

6 Go to comments

Hellhound 1 hour ago

Does South Africa have a future in European competition?

On this I agree with you. There were many great teams and many different eras of rugby with very different rule sets. It's actually impossible to declare one team or player as the best ever. However, this is definitely the best SA team SA has ever had. All the accolades speaks for itself.

129 Go to comments

Hellhound 1 hour ago

Does South Africa have a future in European competition?

All you can do is hate on SA. Jealousy makes you nasty and it's never a good look. Those who actually knows rugby is all talking about the depth and standards of the SA players. They don't wear blinders like you. The NH had many years to build the depth and players for multiple competition the SA teams didn't. There will be growing pains. Not least travel issues. The NH teams barely have to travel to play an opponent opposed to the SA teams. That is just one issue. There is many more issues, hence the "growing pains". The CC isn't yet a priority and this is what most people have a problem with. Saying SA is disrespecting that competition which isn't true. SA don't have the funds yet to go big and get the players needed for 3 competitions. It all costs a lot of money. It's over using players and get them injured or prioritising what they can deliver with what are available. To qualify for CC, they need to perform well in the URC, so that is where the main priorities is currently. In time that will change with sponsors coming in fast. They are at a distinct disadvantage currently compared to the rest. Be happy about that, because they already are the best international team. You would have hated it if they kept winning the club competitions like the URC and CC every year too. Don't be such a sourmouth loser. See the complete picture and judge accordingly. There is many factors you aren't even aware of at play that you completely ignore just to sound relevant. Instead of being an positive influence and spread the game and help it grow, we have to read nonsense like this from haters. Just grow up and stop hating on the game. Go watch soccer or something that loves people like you.

129 Go to comments

Barry 2 hours ago

URC chief executive addresses potential Premiership merger

The RFU won't go for it especially now they've enhanced hybrid contracts and some control over their international players.

2 Go to comments

Barry 5 hours ago

Warren Gatland finds out his fate as Wales undergo huge changes

Exactly. They haven't learnt. Their regions and U20s are also whipping boys which is the bigger concern. Nothing coming through.

They maxed out the credit cards to keep their golden generation of players at home. It's now destroyed the game at every level in Wales.

10 Go to comments

Barry 5 hours ago

Warren Gatland finds out his fate as Wales undergo huge changes

Nor can the same coach turn it around. That's been proven across the last year. It will be years before they are even competitive again. It's a 5 year + job. No way Gatland will be around for that.

Italy's nadir was around ten years ago and even they were better equipped with their regions, U20s and senior squad and management. Wales have further to fall.

10 Go to comments

Barry 5 hours ago

Warren Gatland finds out his fate as Wales undergo huge changes

If they're happy at losing 12 on the bounce, get a regional coach who would be as bad but cost about a sixth in salary.

10 Go to comments

dw 6 hours ago

Does South Africa have a future in European competition?

I'm no expert but I've never seen nz or even aus as doing much for those nations? Both have benefited from their countries players playing for us! I see most of the top nations looking after themselves and maybe it's a world rugby issue?

129 Go to comments

richard davies 6 hours ago

Warren Gatland finds out his fate as Wales undergo huge changes

At 600k a year I would think there will be quite a Que. win lose or draw you can blame the small stature of the players and the WRU