On Monday afternoon, Munster confirmed that Simon Zebo will depart the province at the end of the season. It was said that several European clubs had offered the winger terms which the province and the IRFU were unable to match.
Racing 92 - where Ronan O'Gara is currently a coach and Donnacha Ryan pitched up this season - were reported to be the most likely destination for the 27-year-old.
Gerry Thornley of the Irish Times reported that Zebo has 'apparently' signed a pre-contract agreement with the Parisian club.
In his Irish Examiner column, Ronan O'Gara put the brakes on Zebo's move to his French employers. O'Gara says that it is not yet a done deal.
This is awkward. There seems to be a presumption that Simon Zebo is moving from Munster to Racing 92 next season. I've even been called rugby's equivalent of Tadhg Kennelly!
This much I know: Simon Zebo will move to France's Top 14 after this season. Yes, we are in the frame. But this is a fast-moving story and as late as last night I was told there are four Top 14 clubs seriously interested in acquiring his services - and more than willing to flash the cash to do so.
Until his club of choice says he's coming, until Simon signs something, there are no other facts I can confirm. I'm not being clever. Racing want Zebo, but until someone tells me otherwise, it's no done deal.
Pau, another side in the Top 14 with strong Munster links, are also said to be in the mix for Zebo's signature. Former Munster backs coach Simon Mannix is the head coach at Pau and ex-Munster players Dave Foley, Paddy Butler and Sean Dougall are among their playing personnel.
Picture credit: Diarmuid Greene / SPORTSFILE
