Transfers – Info Midol. Sinckler, Stuart, Ludlam and Daly… These Englishmen eyeing the Top 14 after the World Cup
MIDOL INFO – The massive exodus of English internationals towards the Top 14 is becoming clearer. Many executives from the XV de la Rose, such as pillars Kyle Sinckler and Will Stuart or flanker Lewis Ludlam, are of interest to several French clubs. Overview.
A few weeks ago, we announced to you that between sixty and eighty English players were in the starting blocks to leave their Premiership clubs and join France. To date and according to our information, this exodus seems to be taking shape.
And this would concern several executives of the XV de la Rose who are currently competing in the World Cup. Starting with the two right pillars Kyle Sinckler and Will Stuart, who will be at the end of their contract with their clubs Bristol and Bath in June 2024. The CV of the first is impressive to say the least, since at 30 years old, Sinckler has 63 caps with England and 7 with the British Lions. Aged 27, Stuart has 30 caps and participated in England’s first two World Cup matches. Two powerful right-handed profiles which interest four Top 14 clubs seeking to strengthen themselves in this sector: Bordeaux-Bègles, Castres, Clermont and Toulon.
Other leading Englishmen will also be on the market next June, such as third row Lewis Ludlam (27 years old, 23 caps) who stood out by making a sensational entry against Argentina (12 tackles in fifteen minutes ). A pure product of the Northampton Saints team, the dreadlocked flanker has been playing there since 2016, and offers the advantage of covering the three positions of the third line.
George North leaving?
A profile that would be likely to interest clubs like Castres, Toulon or Racing 92, all looking for a third line of international caliber. His club teammate, scrum-half Alex Mitchell will also be out of contract in June 2024. Like Ludlam, Mitchell is a pure Saints product and his rating has soared since he stunned his world with his star performance. against Argentina. Finally, another big English client will find himself without a club next June: three-quarters Elliot Daly (30 years old, 60 caps). Even if he is no longer quite the player he was a few years ago, he has many advantages such as covering the positions of fullback, winger and center as well as being a long distance scorer…
The phenomenon is not limited to England. In Wales, it is the superstar George North who will find himself without a contract in June 2023. And given the state of the finances of the Welsh federation, we doubt that it will be able to align with proposals from the clubs French, especially since North (31 years old, 84 caps) has a rare profile and size (1.93 m; 110 kg). The CV of the Ospreys colossus, a team where he has played since 2018, is currently on the desk of several Top 14 clubs. As such, Montpellier is reportedly looking for a center. Except that the Hérault club also badly needs Jiffs. To be continued…
