Leinster coach Joe Schmidt hopes that Ireland fly-half Jonathan Sexton's contract negotiations will be concluded before the Six Nations.
Sexton has been heavily linked with Racing Métro in recent weeks having met with owner Jacky Lorenzetti, but Schmidt believes that a new deal between the player and IRFU will be concluded shortly.
"It would be great for Jonny if it got sorted out in the next week," said Schmidt.
"I just don't think he needs it heading into the Six Nations. I really hope that one way or the other - one way, to be honest - it is sorted. Hopefully it'll play out in the next week or so.
"It's an IRFU issue and I've got to say they're doing their darnedest to wind it up.
"We'd love to hold on to him and Ireland would love him to stay in the country as well but I also know Jonny's in demand.
"There will always be big offers for quality players like him. He works very hard, he's skilful and he runs a good game - he is a super player and a super kid."
Racing coach Gonzalo Quesada, who insists he is not involved in the Sexton chase, believes the fly-half will stay at Leinster because of Schmidt.
"I wasn't consulted about any offer or move. It happened behind my back. I read about the story in the newspapers," said Quesada.
"Joe is the best coach in Europe and Leinster is a big club. If I were Jonny and had the chance to continue to work with Joe, playing for Leinster and Ireland, I know which I would choose.
"There's not enough money on offer that would convince me that I would do better away from Joe, and I believe that will be the case with Jonny too. I expect Jonny to be a Leinster player next season."
Comments
QKRAM79 says...
Doesn't sound like the racing coach wants him either way.
Posted 20:17 21st January 2013
leinster_goy says...
just like messi signed on with barca for the rest of his career, so will Sexyboy with Leinster. all this hulabaloo about racing metro was just a storm in a teacup. it's textbook hardball contract negotiations, we would all do it if we were as good as this guy is
Posted 14:52 21st January 2013
99call says...
It wouldnt be the end of the world if he did go as would make him a better player to get out and see a different set up but it wont happen, BOD did the same thing when his contract was up, he made it look like he was interested in joining Biarritz but admitted later it was to push the IRFU into offering more money, not sure its the best way of showing loyalty but its a short career and theyre not getting footballer wages so youve got to look after number 1
Posted 12:44 21st January 2013