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The talent in Canada’s backline has not gone unnoticed in the professional ranks. Reports from France indicate that Agen winger Taylor Paris and Vannes centre Conor Trainor are being eyed by clubs in the Top 14 for next season. Paris has caught the attention of multiple clubs with Castres said to be particularly keen to replace French World Cup winger Rémy Grosso, who is headed to Clermont Auvergne in 2017. Trainor has forced his way into the spotlight after an exceptional start to his pro career, scoring 5 tries in 9 games, and is receiving interest from current title challengers La Rochelle.
It’s understood that no deals have yet to be complete and in the case of Paris a move may not come at all. With one year left on his contract and Agen only three points behind Colomiers in the Pro D2 race for automatic promotion, it would take a strong offer and likely financial compensation to Agen if another club were to seal his signature. Agen have already lost Fijian winger Filipo Nakosi to Toulon for next season and will not be keen to see their vice-captain depart as well.
Trainor has no such obstacles with his Vannes contract set to expire at the end of the season. While the upstart club would like to keep their star midfielder, they are certain to stay in the second division next season and cannot match the financial strength of the Top 14 clubs. Of note is that Vannes have signed Fiji Warriors standout Fred Hickes during the week. While initially signed on a three-month deal as a medical joker, Hickes may well be considered as a permanent replacement for Trainor should the Canadian opt to move top-side next season.
