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Stade Francais' Raffaele Storti attracting interest from Top 14 rivals
Portugal superstar Raffaele Storti might be on his way out of Stade Français to join Castres, but it is a transfer that is far from complete.
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The Portuguese wing moved to France in 2020, joining Stade Français as an academy player. But after one year with no game time in the main squad, he moved to AS Béziers-Hérault where he became an instant sensation, scoring 30 tries in 30 games.
Storti’s great form meant a return to Stade Français over the past summer, with promises of having a real shot at becoming a member of the starting lineup. However, he has only played once in the last four months, failing to earn a relevant role in Karim Ghezal’s or Lauren Labit’s first XV.
In his only outing for the Pink Army, he scored a try and ran more than 80 metres, showing he was ready for more opportunities to play in the Top 14.
As reported by Midi Olympique, Castres are one of the teams willing to make an effort to sign the wing, but AS Béziers-Hérault, CA Brive, Provence Rugby and LOU are also interested. As Lyon are poised to lose Davit Niniashvili next summer, Storti might be the answer for their wing conundrum, but Castres are in pole position to land the Lobos outside back.
The five-time Top 14 champions are looking to strengthen their roster, and with rumours of Josaia Raisuqe’s departure in 2025, Storti would be in contention to earn far more minutes than he has with Stade Français.
The main uncertainty of the whole process is that Stade Français seem unwilling to allow an immediate release. However, if any of the suitors’ advances come with compensation, they are open to changing their stance.
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In November, Storti teamed up with Portugal and ended up scoring two tries, one of them against Scotland, and is focused on helping the Lobos qualify for the 2027 men’s Rugby World Cup.
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