England and Exeter number 8 Sam Simmonds is close to signing a huge contract with French side Montpellier, according to The Telegraph.
Their sources have revealed that the 27-year-old, who has scored 80 tries in 116 appearances for Exeter Chiefs, will join the current Top 14 champions as a replacement for Zach Mercer.
Simmonds is set to double his current earnings at Chiefs, who are unable to offer him a new deal due to salary cap constraints.
Mercer will sign with Gloucester ahead of the 2023/24 season, which makes him available to Eddie Jones for the upcoming Rugby World Cup.
With two England caps to his name – as well as 17 for England U20, including 10 as captain – Mercer has made a lasting impression in France over the past 12-months.
With two England caps to his name – as well as 17 for England U20, including 10 as captain – Mercer has made a lasting impression in France over the past 12-months.
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The England lock, who was linked with a move to the Top 14 when Saracens were relegated, would demand a huge salary plus bonuses, according to Racing 92 owner Jacky Lorenzetti.
Asked if Itoje wanted too much money, Lorezetti told rugbyrama.fr : “Yes, it was unpayable.
“You know, we weren’t the only ones at the time: Bordeaux, Lyon, Montpellier were all called upon. We were talking about a salary of over £1m plus bonuses.
“That represented 10 per cent of our payroll. We made the choice not to go any further. I think he doesn’t want to move, so they come out with ridiculous demands.”
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