Leinster face competition for Rabah Slimani after France recall as veteran prop attracts Top 14 interest

Rabah Slimani has revived his international career with France since joining Irish province Leinster from Clermont at the start of the season.
The experienced tighthead prop’s contract was allowed to expire by Clermont at the end of the 2023/24 season, with then-Leinster forward Michael Alaalatoa recruited to the French club.
The 35-year-old has impressed during his time with Leinster featuring 11 times for the side including seven starts, including four in the Investec Champions Cup.
Slimani sticking around?
His form caught the attention of France head coach Fabien Galthie who called upon his services to help ease Les Bleus’ prop injury crisis ahead of the Six Nations.
While his performances put him in the selection frame, he may have to wait for a first cap since 2019 as he was not part of the 23-man squad that was retained ahead of this weekend’s club rugby action.
Still, the French coaching team are not the only ones who have taken note of Slimani’s uptick in form with Top 14 clubs reportedly angling to snap him up ahead of next season.
According to a report by L’Equipe, Stuart Lancaster is keen to bring the prop back to France and add him to his Racing 92 squad. The former England head coach is understood to have spoken with the player last week about a possible deal.
Ambitious club, Aix-en-Provence, also expressed interest in signing the veteran front-rower before his move to Leinster.
Slimani has penned a one-year deal with the Irish province and mid-way through the season, he is weighing up his options. While he may be tempted by offers back in France, he has reportedly given ‘priority’ to Leinster.
This is according to Midi Olympique as the Frenchman’s initial contract included an option for an additional year. The publication adds that the prop and the Dublin-based team are currently in negotiations to finalise the details of the extension.
Leinster prop stocks
If Slimani were to remain at Leinster, it would be a major boost to Leo Cullen’s propping stocks that are currently bursting at the seams.
Last month, Andrew Porter and Tadhg Furlong both signed two-year contract extensions with Leinster and the IRFU while Thomas Clarkson and Jack Boyle?have taken their opportunities in blue this season to earn Ireland call-ups, the latter in line for a potential debut this Six Nations.
According to Irish reports, Leinster could lose Michael Milne who is in line to join Munster next season.