36 - 31

Racing 92 star Junior Kpoku may have route back to English rugby

3 days ago

Junior Kpoku of England lies dejected after his team's draw in the U20 Six Nations match between England and Ireland at The Recreation Ground on March 08, 2024 in Bath, England. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

Sale Sharks have been sniffing around England Under-20 star Junior Kpoku to explore if it is possible to bring him back to the Premiership from Top 14 strugglers Racing 92. Kpoku, 19, was a member of England’s Under-20 World Cup-winning side last year and has been tracked by the Sharks since he started Racing’s Champions Cup second-round defeat in the north-west before Christmas.

One of three rugby-playing brothers all plying their trade in France, Joel (also a lock who can play on the blindside) is with Pau, and his twin Jonathan (another lock) is at Bourgoin-Jallieu in the third-tier Nationale. The trio hail from Newham in East London, with parents from DR Congo, and all came through the Saracens system before moving across the Channel.

Junior joined Exeter Chiefs in August 2023 but left for Racing 92 within weeks for family reasons, making his Top 14 debut in a derby defeat to Stade Français in February 2024. He has since made 11 appearances for Racing. He is highly thought of by England coach Steve Borthwick, who had him training with the senior squad ahead of the thrilling victory over Les Bleus in February.

Wales are in desperate need of talent | RPTV

Boks Office discuss how Wales are going to find their way back after a disastrous Six Nations. Watch the full episode on RugbyPass TV now

Watch now

Borthwick and the RFU’s executive director of performance, Conor O’Shea, have also visited him in France, aware that he qualifies for Fabien Galthié’s side on residency in 2026. “France is just where I play rugby. It wouldn’t feel right to represent a different country that I wasn’t born in. I wouldn’t like it. France is a great country, but I don’t think the Marseillaise would be for me.

“Playing for England is in my blood. I was born there, and my family and my friends are all from there. I should represent my own country,” he told the Daily Mail late last year.

Getting the 6ft 8in lock home will not be easy, as it has been reported in France that he agreed to a one-year extension at Racing until 2027, with the option of a second year. If a deal can be reached, the RFU could help by offering an Enhanced Elite Player Squad contract. Borthwick still has eight of these to hand out, each worth up to £160,000.

News, stats, live rugby and more! Download the new RugbyPass app on the App Store (iOS) and Google Play (Android) now!

Argentina v France | HSBC SVNS Hong Kong 2025 | Men's Match Highlights

New Zealand v Australia | HSBC SVNS Hong Kong 2025 | Women's Match Highlights

Tokyo Sungoliath vs Shizuoka BlueRevs | Japan Rugby League One 2024/25 | Full Match Replay

Reds vs Force | Super Rugby W 2025 | Full Match Replay

Behind the Scenes with the Australian Rugby Sevens Team in Hong Kong | HSBC SVNS Embedded | Episode 9

The Rise of Kenya | The Report

New Zealand in Hong Kong | Brady Rush | Sevens Wonders | Episode 4

The Fixture: How This Rugby Rivalry Has Lasted 59 Years

Comments

0 Comments

Be the first to comment...

Join free and tell us what you really think!

Latest Features

LONG READ

Why Les Kiss and Stuart Lancaster can lead Australia to glory

The wily duo, combined with a Moneyball-style approach, could build on the impressive foundations laid by Joe Schmidt.

LONG READ

Razor has an about turn on All Blacks eligibility rules

The contentious eligibility rules implemented by the NZRU have been slowly accepted by head coach Scott Robertson

LONG READ

The technical tweaks that could send Wales back to rugby's top table

Even though Matt Sherratt wasn't able to engineer a win, he showed tentative signs of a new Welsh way that could make them more competitive

Comments on RugbyPass

lincolnarthur741 44 minutes ago

'I'm really disappointed': Former All Blacks disagree with Anzac Test outcome

As a seasoned entrepreneur, I prided myself on due diligence. But when an associate introduced me to a "high-yield crypto platform" backed by polished presentations and fake regulatory licenses, I let my guard down. The platform promised 25% monthly returns through "algorithmic trading." I poured in $775,000 USDT, For months, the dashboard showed soaring profits. Then, the withdrawal requests stalled. Excuses turned to silence. The platform’s domain expired. My heart sank: I’d been ensnared by scam. The loss was paralyzing. My family’s future hung in the balance. Lawyers warned that cross-border crypto scams were nearly impossible to prosecute. I spent sleepless nights scouring blockchain explorers, tracing my USDT to anonymous wallets, but hit dead ends. Then, a cybersecurity contact mentioned Dexdert Net Recovery, a firm with a reputation for untangling sophisticated crypto fraud, desperate, I reached out. Dexdert’s team responded promptly, exuding professionalism. They asked for transaction records, wallet addresses, and scammer communications. Their transparency stood out—no upfront fees, just a contingency plan explaining their approach: tracing blockchain transactions, collaborating with exchanges, and leveraging legal channels. Though complex, it reassured me. Weeks passed with regular updates. Dexdert’s experts traced my USDT to a wallet flagged for scams. Dexdert’s Net Recovery persistence was unwavering. They worked tirelessly and successfully recovered my funds, My $775,000 USDT was secured in a new wallet, verified by my own eyes. Relief washed over me—I’d regained control, they restored my faith. To others, I urge: research thoroughly, question "too good" offers, and act swiftly if scammed. While not all stories end like mine, Dexdert’s Net expertise turned my despair into hope—a second chance I’ll never take for granted.

CONTACT THEM, DEXDERT NET RECOVERY ARE THE BEST IN THE BUSINESS.

WhatsApp: (+1 _859_ 609‑4156) Telegram: ( @Dexdertprorecovery) Email: (DexdertNetPro@mail.com)

0 Go to comments

JW 1 hour ago

Richie Mo'unga lifts lid on 2027 Rugby World Cup ambitions

Yeah, that’s what I took you as meaning. I also took that to mean “a 10” that you can win a would cup with. And no, that’s not a Beaver level player I’m picturing.

I think NZ could have many Beaver level players that could go to a world cup, not in a play style perspective I mean, just as in players that only command a couple of facets in their expertise and experience. Robinson and Millar could both control a game with their boot like Merths. Jacomb, Harkin, and Godfrey can present the ball at the line like Cruden. Kemara might be a bit more of a vision player like Richie and learning from /playing with Havili. With even a couple of u21/u20 youngsters that could charge infront of those names in SR.

But I’m saying despite that diversity actually showing great 10 development in the country, I can’t see those players developing enough skill sets in time to outshine Pero’s dependability and composure (only going on his AB performances here though) or the experience and knowledge that Barrett would bring to a group (or as you say someone with the experience of Richie). So the WC 10’s will be those three players.

Fully agree re consistency, this is why I see Dmac being a good option by the time 2027 comes around. Last year was his first at playing 10 in test matches, and his second year over all (well he had one SR season 6/7 years ago too). If he can just get to grips with how to bailout (pass to the 12 and don’t carry it/take it into contact yourself!) safely when plays disrupted and develop a bit more trickery/deception with his option taking, he’ll surpass Mo’unga in general, and even some of Carters play. I’m not sure Barrett was ever the type to mold his style whether he had stayed at full back, 10 or even on the wing. He just players like he did in the back yard and that’s it, it either (you either make it..) works or it doesn’t. It was completely apparent that he was never going to be as great a 10 as he was random backline player (he can’t pass far or kick accurately), so I think it’s perfectly fine to have used him wherever the team needs him. I’d agree though, that sort of flexibility indeed a) causes flexibility to be needed in team mates as well, and b) sets a bad example. Let’s hope it doesn’t get repeated on Pero and Dmac!

22 Go to comments

Crypto assets recovery 1 hour ago

Don't get out over your skis on the Highlanders

FINALLY I GOT MY LOST BITCOIN BACK ALL THANKS TO Crypto Assets Recovery

Hello everyone I want to use this Medium to say big thank you to Crypto assets recovery for they helped me recover my stolen crypto worth $250,000 through their hacking skills I tried it I was skeptic but it worked and I got my money back, I’m so glad I came across them early because I thought I was never going to get my money back from those fake online investment websites . you can also contact them

via Email: Cryptoassetsrecovery@protonmail.com

WhatsApp via: +18125892766

I’m sure you will be happy you did.

4 Go to comments

Crypto assets recovery 1 hour ago

Leinster player ratings vs Sharks | 2024/25 URC

I lost over $350,000 in an investment trading company last year; I was down because the company refused to let me make withdrawals and kept asking for more money…. My friend in the military introduced me to a recovery agent Crypto Assets Recovery with the email address Cryptoassetsrecovery@protonmail.com and he’s been really helpful, he made a successful recovery of 95% of my investment in less than 24 hours, I’m so grateful to him. If you are a victim of a binary scam and need to get your money back, please don’t hesitate to contact Crypto Assets Recovery in any of the information below.

EMAIL: Cryptoassetsrecovery@protonmail.com

WHATSAPP NUMBER : +18125892766

4 Go to comments

JW 1 hour ago

Richie Mo'unga lifts lid on 2027 Rugby World Cup ambitions

Hopefully factors that can turn Barrett into a proper 10. He’ll need to go to kicking school if he’s to make up for the decline in all his other areas though!

After reading this article you think Richie is going to return to NZ? He wants to “test” himself SC, that means playing. He’s not going to risk all that money on Dmac getting an injury and giving him the opportunity he’s after.

22 Go to comments

JW 1 hour ago

Richie Mo'unga lifts lid on 2027 Rugby World Cup ambitions

LOL he lost his performance on a test he continued to start in for the next four games, and one were he was the most dangerous player on attack and the only reason New Zealand scrapped by with the victory.

Great logic SC! About as good as Roberston’s! 😋

22 Go to comments

CeriHolland 2 hours ago

Waratahs turn to 'tough bugger' for captaincy with more history on the line

TRACE // RECOVER YOUR LOST CRYPTO - Hire iFORCE HACKER RECOVERY

For seven years, I believed my lost wallet phrase was gone forever, along with my Bitcoin. I had tried every possible way to recover it but had no success. Then, I found iFORCE HACKER RECOVERY, and everything changed. Their expert team worked tirelessly, using advanced techniques to retrieve my wallet phrase. In just a short time, they restored access to my lost funds. I’m beyond grateful for their professionalism, efficiency, and honesty. iFORCE HACKER RECOVERY truly made the impossible possible!

Have you been defrauded?

Crypto recovery service Recover stolen crypto