Castres is increasing their efforts to persuade the England and Lions winger, Anthony Watson, to leave Leicester Tigers by inviting him to France after the season ends.
Tigers boss Richard Wigglesworth insisted last week that he was desperate to keep hold of the speedster but accepted constraints of the salary cap may see him depart this summer.
And now, The Rugby Paper have reported that Castres is eager for Watson to follow in the footsteps of other members of Steve Borthwick’s team and announce his move across the Channel after the World Cup in 2023.
The French club have pencilled in a date for the England star to visit the club this month as they look to secure what would be a marquee signing for the club.
Top 14 rivals Lyon also remain interested in Watson.
Warren Gatland’s 2023 Lions XV:
Back-three:
15. Hugo Keenan – Ireland
14. Duhan van der Merwe – Scotland
He wrote: “Mack Hansen is very unlucky here but I’m switching Duhan to the right wing. I think he is in much better shape physically than he was when he was with the Lions a couple of years ago. He caused defenders all sorts of problems, carried well and scored some outstanding tries. He has also definitely improved his aerial game, which was something he had to work on.”
11. James Lowe – Ireland
Centre:
13. Huw Jones – Scotland
12. Sione Tuipulotu – Scotland
He wrote: “I was also impressed with the impact Bundee Aki made for Ireland, but Sione has a superb all-around game. He does not just give you good go-forward ball but can make the pass and offload as well.”
