The news was confirmed on Friday morning
It looks like Irish rugby player Paddy Jackson will be moving to France, as it was confirmed that the 26-year-old has signed a deal with French club Perpignan.
According to multiple sources, Jackson had been in talks with the Catalan club throughout the past week as he attempted to rebuild his career after having his Ulster contract revoked.
The club had also, in recent times, been strongly linked to Springbok out-half Elton Jantjies – who, ironically, was thought to be replacing Jackson in Ulster for some time.
However, Jackson seemed to be a better fit than the South African rugby union player, as the Belfast-native will not be required for international matches.
🚨SIGNATURE OFFICIELLE 🚨
Le Président, @F_Riviere , a le plaisir d'annoncer la signature officielle pour 2 saisons du demi d'ouverture, PADDY JACKSON. https://t.co/qbVnEkosWH#GENERATIONUSAP pic.twitter.com/Du2G66m4pb
— USAP (@usap_officiel) June 8, 2018
Director of Sport for the club, Christian Lanta, confirmed the signing on Friday morning.
“Paddy Jackson, dans la tradition des 10 irlandais, sait mettre ses qualités individuelles au service du collectif ; buteur confirmé, animateur de ligne de talent, Paddy doit apporter au sein de l’équipe son expérience du niveau international,” he said.
That loosely translates to:
“Paddy Jackson, in the tradition of the Irish number 10, knows how to put his individual qualities at the service of the collective; confirmed goal scorer, talented lineman, Paddy has to bring to the team his experience of the international level.”
Back in May, speculation was rife that Jackson was set to go the way of English Premiership team Sale Sharks. His former teammate Stuart Olding was set to follow.
Several other rumours followed this as Olding had been linked with a number of English clubs, all of whom distanced themselves from the speculation surrounded the Belfast rape trial.
Finally, Brive’s new head coach Jeremy Davidson, persuaded him to join the French club, relegated from the French Top14 this season.
The 25-year-old, along with his provincial and international teammate Paddy Jackson, had their Ulster contracts, which were due to run until June 2019, revoked some two months ago after a review conducted by the IRFU and Ulster following the Belfast rape trial verdict on 28 March.
