Racing open to Welsh departure

 

French sports daily L'Equipe claimed on Tuesday that the Welsh trio of centre Jamie Roberts, scrum-half Mike Phillips and 26-year-old Lydiate wanted to leave Racing for clubs in their homeland.

 

But Travers told reporters Thursday: "They are players under contract with Racing-Metro [until June 2016] and who remain under contract with Racing-Metro, contrary to all that has been written and dreamt up on any number of issues, which in my opinion comes more from the Welsh side than the French."

 

Asked specifically about the 37-times capped Lydiate, who was not named in Racing's squad for this weekend's European Champions Cup match against Northampton, Travers said: "If he were to receive a proposal, which is not on the agenda, we're prepared to look at the situation.

 

"But as of today, contrary to what has been written, there has been no proposal from anyone."

 

Phillips, Roberts and Wales lock Luke Charteris were all named in the Racing squad to play Northampton.

 

Wales coach Warren Gatland insisted Tuesday that the Welsh Rugby Union had not 'instigated contact with the players'.

 

"But we are aware that one or two of them are keen to return to Wales sooner rather than later," Gatland said.

 

Racing coach Laurent Labit admitted Tuesday that departing the club had been raised with the Welsh players, saying: "We have raised the subject [of leaving] with them.

 

"They have never really been that effective since their arrival."