Multiple reports link Paddy Jackson with a move to French giants

Former Ireland fly-half Paddy Jackson has been linked with a move to Clermont next season after his contract with Ulster Rugby and the IRFU was revoked on Saturday.

The IRFU and Ulster based their decision on their responsibility and commitment to the core values of the game - respect, inclusivity and integrity - and subsequently ended their dealings with Jackson who was acquitted of rape charges and sexual assault following a nine-week trial at Belfast Crown Court last month. The 26-year-old will now look to resume his rugby career away from Ireland with Peter O'Reilly of The Sunday Times and Leo Faure of Rugbyrama  both reporting that Clermont is actively working on securing a deal to bring Jackson to the central French city. Contact between the two parties has reportedly already been established with Clermont keen to bring in another fly-half to complement France international Camille Lopez and Argentinian pivot Patricio Fernandez. Lopez has been sidelined for the majority of this season with a broken ankle while Fernandez has struggled as the incumbent playmaker with Clermont winning just 10 games so far this season. Last season's Champions Cup finalists finished second on the Top 14 table behind La Rochelle last year but will play no part in the Champions Cup next season after La Rochelle's win over Bordeaux last month.