Genia, Smith latest French movers?

 

Genia, who for a peroid was heavily linked with English Premiership side Bath, now looks more likely to join Parisian side Stade Fancais on a three year deal.

 

It seems that Genia's deal with Bath eventually fell through due to the Premiership's salary cap restrictions and the English club's existing deal with Rugby League convert Sam Burgess.

 

According to French newspaper Midi Olympique, Genia had signed a "pre-contract" with Bath meaning Stade Francais would have had to come up with some form of compensation should they have wished to sign the Reds and Wallabies scrumhalf. 

 

However that agreement occurred before the Premiership had raised the marquee player allowance from one player to two and with Bath already boasting Burgess on their books, any deal with Genia would effectively be null and void.

 

Smith is rumoured to be in the sights of French second division side Pau, the All Blacks centre a high priority for a club who will likely return to the Top 14 next season.

 

According to Midi Olympique, Pau are in "highly advanced" talks with Smith about a move north following this year's Rugby World Cup.

 

Smith joins a growing exodus of All Blacks that includes Dan Carter, Ma'a Nonu, Ben Fanks Jeremy Thrush while Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock and Richie McCaw are all expected to retire after the World Cup.