Sexton linked with Stade Francais move

Leinster and Ireland out-half Jonathan Sexton has been linked with a move to French giants Stade Francais next season.

According to this morning’s Irish Independent, talks have taken place between representatives of the player and the club, with Stade coach Michael Cheika thought to be very keen on a reunion with a player that he brought through during his five-year spell as Leinster coach.

Sexton is out of contract with the IRFU at the end of the season and with wealthy French clubs offering the promise of lucrative contracts following next year’s World Cup, the IRFU may find it hard to hold on to a player that has become Ireland’s first choice out half over the last couple of seasons.

Clubs in France are also thought to be pursuing the likes of Seán O’Brien, Jamie Heaslip and Tony Buckley, as well as Andrew Trimble and Seán Cronin, who, like Sexton, are out of contract at the end of the season.

There are expected to be a number of international players on the move following the World Cup next year. Leinster’s Heineken Cup opponents Clermont Auvergne, for example, are believed to have secured the signings of Wales full back Lee Byrne, Llanelli Scarlets centre Regan King and All Black prop Neemia Tialata for next season, while Ospreys centre James Hook has also been linked with a move to the Top 14.

It has also been speculated that All Black centre Ma'a Nonu will join Munster following the 2011 World Cup.

The IRFU are not the only union struggling to hold on to players from their national sides; the English Rugby Football Union (RFU) recently announced that they would not allow players earning a living abroad to play for the national side.