Stephen Nell - Die Burger

Cape Town – French club Racing Metro are ready to splash a fortune to sign Stormers flyhalf Peter Grant together with Sharks centre Frans Steyn.

It was reported earlier this week that the wealthy French club had met with Steyn’s agent. However, South African daily newspaper Die Burger has revealed that Racing Metro also met with Grant.

In a dramatic week where European clubs put out feelers to South African players, it can be revealed that:

-         Racing Metro want to sign Grant and Steyn in deals that could be the richest in South African rugby history
-         Stormers hooker Schalk Brits could join up with English club Saracens after the Super 14
-         Lions players Jaque Fourie and Willie Wepener are being lined up by Clermont.

Grant’s agent, Chris de Beer, confirmed “exploratory talks” had been held with Grant by French clubs. Bayonne and Brive are also interested in his services.

“The money being spoken about is considerably more than Peter was offered in Japan,” said De Beer.

It was revealed last year that Grant had turned down an offer of R10 million for a three-year deal in Japan.

Brits is believed to have an escape clause in his contract with Western Province and can join Saracens immediately after the Super 14 if he does not make the Springbok squad for the Test series against the British and Irish Lions.

Meanwhile, the Lions have downplayed Fourie and Wepener’s links with Clermont.

Lions coach Eugene Eloff dismissed it has “rumours”.

“Both players are contracted until the end of next year and are happy here. None of our players are leaving,” said Eloff.

Fourie’s agent, Peet van Zyl, denied his client had signed a contract with any club outside South Africa.

“Jaque has a Springbok contract until the end of this year and his deal with the Lions stretches to the end of next year,” said Van Zyl. “There are offers from all over the world for Jaque, but he wants to concentrate on his rugby with the Springboks and Lions.”

Van Zyl said there were currently “eight clubs” in Europe interested in Fourie. However, he emphasised that Fourie would honour his commitments in South Africa.

Steyn’s agent, Gerrie Swart, indicated recently that his client would make a call on his playing future after the Super 14.