Despite the recent collapse of his intended move to Montpellier, England and Exeter Chiefs hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie may still find himself playing in France next season.
The Rugby Paper reports that Stade Francais are believed to be the frontrunners in securing the 29-year-old's signature.
Cowan-Dickie, whose contract expires at the end of next month, had faced uncertainty after his planned transfer to join Sam Simmonds in Montpellier fell through.
Although he had been linked with a potential move to Sale, which would have allowed him to remain in the Premiership and continue vying for a spot in Steve Borthwick's England squad post-World Cup, it now appears increasingly likely that he will indeed venture to the Top 14.
2/10 – Four players who flopped in the Premiership final
Below, we reflect on three individuals who, unfortunately, failed to deliver their best performances on the day.
#1. Joe Carpenter (Sale Sharks)
Planet Rugby - 5/10
RUCK - 4/10
Rugby Pass - 5/10
His charge-down in the lead-up to Elliot Daly's try proved to be a pivotal moment that shifted the momentum decisively in Saracens' favour.
Despite this setback, Carpenter did showcase some positive contributions in attack, making considerable progress and narrowly missing out on denying Ivan van Zyl a score.
It was undoubtedly a valuable learning experience for the young player, who exhibited flashes of brilliance before the unfortunate error occurred.
A bloody Joe Carpenter of Sale Sharks during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Final Match between Saracens and Sale Sharks at Twickenham Stadium on 27 May 2023. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
#2. Manu Tuilagi (Sale Sharks)
Planet Rugby - 6/10
RUCK - 7/10
Rugby Pass - 4/10
Rugby Pass wrote: "Possessed plenty of power in beating four defenders in the first half alone, but a lack of sharpness cost his team.
"Was easily sucked in by Owen Farrell who dangled some obvious bait that the burly centre couldn’t refuse, creating space for Malins to cruise through for his try. And when a possible intercept was on, Tuilagi couldn’t react quick enough.
"Pound for pound one of the great players in the world on his day, but too often he seemed to be playing own game. Steve Borthwick’s opinion on him wouldn’t have changed after that show. Hooked for Same James with 10 minutes to play."
Manu Tuilagi of Sale Sharks during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Final Match between Saracens and Sale Sharks at Twickenham Stadium on 27 May 2023. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
#3. Alex Goode (Saracens)
Rugby Pass - 5.5./10
RUCK - 6/10
Rugby Pass wrote: "The veteran was polished in the opening period but looked like an old man wilting in the heat for quite some time in the second half."
Bevan Rodd of Sale Sharks steps past Alex Goode of Saracens as he goes over for a try during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Final Match between Saracens and Sale Sharks at Twickenham Stadium on 27 May 2023. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
#4. Ewan Ashman (Sale Sharks)
RUCK - 3/10
Rugby Pass - 2/10
Rugby Pass wrote: "Fluffed his first throw to the line that almost cost his team a try and then missed his target again on his second attempt.
" Later he missed his jumper for a third time when Sale had done well to win a line-out with 15 minutes left. That play ended with Daly scoring a crucial try that ultimately proved to be the decisive blow."
Jono Ross, Captain of Sale Sharks, Joe Carpenter of Sale Sharks and Ewan Ashman of Sale Sharks walk out during the Captains run ahead of the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Final Match between Saracens and Sale Sharks at Twickenham Stadium on 26 May 2023. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK
