Bernard Jackman: Racing 92's Jack Conan interest to hinge on availability of French alternatives

Bernard Jackman has expressed some doubt over Racing 92's reported interest in Leinster number 8 Jack Conan.

The 32-year-old, who captained the province in their opening two games of the BKT United Rugby Championship, is reportedly a target for his former coach Stuart Lancaster, who has been in charge of the Parisiens since the summer of 2023.

Conan is out of contract at the province this summer, and Racing have been left with a hole to fill in their back row following the early departure of Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, who has returned to the Sharks in Durban.

However, Jackman says Racing’s interest in the International may hinge on whether or not it fits in with their 'JIFF’ requirements.

"My understanding of it is that Racing are looking for an eight, but their priority is to get an eight who is ‘JIFF’," Jackman told the RTÉ Rugby podcast.

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Under the French ‘JIFF’ (Joueurs Issus des Filieres de Formation) regulations, clubs must field an average of 16 players in their matchday squads who have either spent five years playing age-grade rugby at any FFR-affiliated club, or three years with a French professional club's academy by the age of 23.

"They’re quite tight on their foreign-player spots, they’re looking for a ‘JIFF’ eight first and they’ll probably wait to January or February for that, and if that doesn’t happen they may look at a ‘non-JIFF’ eight, which could open up the Jack Conan [link].

"My understanding is that they’re looking for a French-qualified eight first. That’s