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EXCLUSIVE: Transfer rumours spreading after Springbok 10 spotted in Edinburgh
By Ian Cameron
Speculation is mounting after a Springbok flyhalf was spotted in Edinburgh this weekend.
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Racing 92’s Pat Lambie was spotted in the city centre today with a small group of people, which has lead to speculation in some quarters that a shift north could possibly be on the cards for the talented 27-year-old.
When asked by RugbyPass, a source close to Edinburgh Rugby did not expressly deny the club had an interest in the South African.
Adding to the intrigue, Edinburgh have lost the services of three flyhalves over the summer.
Earlier in the year the city’s PRO14 side lost Duncan Weir to Gallagher Premiership side Worcester Warriors.
Weir moved to Edinburgh in 2016 and was the club’s top points scorer in his debut campaign.
Arguably equally significant has been the loss of Kiwi flyhalf/utility back Phil Burleigh. The 31-year-old has returned to New Zealand side Canterbury.
Richard Cockerill’s side also let flyhalf Jason Tovey go, who returned to Wales with Cross Keys, bringing to three the number of tens that have exited the club.
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Lambie enjoyed a fruitful season with French giants Racing after battling back from a long-term concussion layoff.
However, despite having a standout season with the Parisian side, he was once again struck by injury, this time in the European Champions Cup final against Leinster.
Lambie damaged his ACL, which could see him sidelined until 2019.
Speaking to RugbyPass in May, Lambie said: “I am not all that uncomfortable right now, but the diagnosis doesn’t look all that good, but we will wait and see on Monday for confirmation. Double disappointment having to leave the field through injury and Racing were unlucky not to get over the line after leading for the majority of the match.”
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“It looks like it yes, like I said the diagnosis isn’t great, I have to wait and see after the MRI scans on Monday and we’ll take it from there, but by the sounds of things I won’t be playing for a month or for a few months. The speculation is that I have done my ACL ligament, that is six to nine months I guess.”
“It is a long road of recovery, but it is not the end, I will be back, exactly when I am not sure.”
27-year-old Lambie remains eligible for the Springboks as an overseas-based player because he meets the established 30-cap minimum threshold.
