Joe Marchant won’t be returning to the Gallagher Premiership for the 2025/26 season as French media have reported he will instead see out the final year of his contract at Stade Francais.
It was claimed last month that the recently turned 29-year-old was lined up for a switch back across the Channel, which came with the bonus that a return to the Premiership would make him eligible for Test squad selection with England, for whom he started six times at Rugby World Cup 2023.
Marchant stayed on in Paris after that bronze medal finish with Steve Borthwick’s side and has now completed two of his three-season deal at Stade, the Top 14 club who finished 12th this year following a run to last year’s semi-finals.
Potential buyout
It was suggested in June that the potential existed for a final-year buyout of his contract, but no early release request materialised from Marchant, who made 23 league appearances last term, an increase from 19 Top 14 games in his maiden season in Paris.
He is now preparing to start Stade’s new season with the September 6 game at home to newly promoted Montauban.
A report on rugbyrama.fr read: “Having arrived in the capital after the 2023 World Cup, Joe Marchant (29) will still wear the Stade Francais jersey next season and will honour the final year of his contract with the Parisian club.
“His future seemed unclear last month, and a return across the Channel was even mentioned, particularly by the British press, to Sale. But the England international (26 caps) never left the squad led by his compatriot Paul Gustard.
“According to our information, no request for early release, nor even any offer of a contract buyout, has reached the Parisian management’s desk regarding him.
“The three-quarter centre, who is capable of playing on the wing, will therefore be tasked with revitalising the Stade attack during the coming season.”