RUCK has learned that Paddy Jackson is close to finalising a deal with Championship side London Irish.
Jackson, who was found not guilty of rape and sexual assault back in April, moved to France to join Perpignan in the Top 14 after Ulster Rugby and the IRFU terminated Jackson’s contract.
Perpignan are yet to win a match this season in either the Top 14 or Challenge Cup, with the club 13 points from safety heading into Christmas despite Jackson’s personal haul of 84 points in the league.
With Perpignan’s relegation to the ProD2 seemingly inevitable, there have been multiple reports in France and in England that Jackson will join London Irish.
The Exiles are expected to bounce back up into the Gallagher Premiership this season, and had an interest in Jackson at the end of last season when he was forced to depart Ulster.