It emerged last Friday that the 32-year-old, who is currently on a Test rugby sabbatical after skippering Steve Borthwick’s side a third-place finish at the Rugby World Cup, was said to be “very close” to quitting Saracens and the Gallagher Premiership and instead committing to a two-year at Stuart Lancaster’s Racing 92.
The injury to the talismanic French captain has distracted France from another absence they’ve experienced: meaningful opposition
Ultan Dillane roared with laughter when asked by RugbyPass what backline position he might play if La Rochelle ever allowed him the freedom to be a hybrid player such as the remarkable Levani Botia.