From Clontarf to Paris, via Grenoble.
James Hart is nearing a move to Racing 92, next season, according to reports in France.
The 24-year-old, who was once part of Leinster’s youth set-up, is set to move away from Bernard Jackman’s Grenoble this summer.
Hart has been with Grenoble for the past three seasons and has delivered match-winning performances against the likes of Racing, Clermont and Toulon.
In 2013/14, Hart burst onto the scene in France’s Top 14. Injuries to rival scrum-halves gave him a first team opportunity and he duly grasped it.
In December 2013, weeks after securing a contract extension, until June 2017, Hart kicked 20 points against Toulouse in a stunning Grenoble victory.
So impressive was Hart, in fact, that Joe Schmidt was queried on the merits of calling up the goal-kicking No.9 for the 2014 Six Nations. Hart’s mother is French but he has previously stated his ambition is represent Ireland at Test level.
Last season saw Hart leapfrogged by experienced South African scrum-half Charl McLeod. He had to settle for a support role, one that followed him into 2015/16 and has prompted interest from Racing.
Racing currently have French scrum-halves Maxime Machenaud and Xavier Chauveau [uncapped], and Wales’ Mike Phillips on their books. Phillips is expected to move on in the summer, however.
Were Hart to push through the switch – it would mean leaving before the end of his contract – he would link up with All Blacks out-half and 2015 World Player of the Year Dan Carter.
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