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Harlequins lead the chase for Francis Saili
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The centre is out of contract at the end of the season
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Several English clubs want to sign the midfielder
Munster will be desperate to keep hold of South African centre Jaco Taute with All Blacks centre Francis Saili’s departure to Premiership side Harlequins imminent.
Saili’s contract expires at the end of the season and according to The Independent, Premiership side Harlequins are the lead runners amongst a number of English clubs for his signature.
Quins reportedly view him as an ideal replacement for Welsh international Jamie Roberts who is likely to leave Twickenham Stoop next month.
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This means that Munster will be even more desperate to keep hold of Taute, who has made a huge impact since joining Rassie Erasmus’ men last September.
Taute was initially brought in as injury cover for All Black centre Saili but the Irish Rugby Football Union allowed Munster to keep him until the end of the season.
The IRFU emphasised that the PRO12 side would only be allowed to keep one of their non-Irish-qualified midfielders and with Saili set to leave, Taute’s importance to the Munster cause has been highlighted.
Taute is contracted to the Stormers until the end of the year and Munster are hoping they can reach an agreement soon with the Super Rugby side.