IT: "Reports of French clubs about to sign high-profile Irish players appear false"

PlayerTrader13

Reports that Toulouse and Clermont Auvergne are poised to announce the signings of high profile Irish players appear to be false.
However, separate sources told The Irish Times the IRFU risk losing as many as seven frontline internationals if they do not offer the market value of those currently at the negotiating table.
The state of play regarding Seán O’Brien’s contract negotiations with the union and at least one French club remains unknown.

Leinster captain Jamie Heaslip remains in talks with both the IRFU and French clubs Toulon and Montpelier. Clermont’s interest in O’Brien and Heaslip may have receded following the re-signing of former Chiefs number eight Fritz Lee on a long-term deal.
Munster quartet Paul O’Connell, Keith Earls, Donnacha Ryan and Conor Murray are also awaiting improved offers from the union. It seems highly unlikely Murray, despite last Sunday’s injury, will be allowed leave Munster.
Ulster and Ireland hooker Rory Best is the seventh player whose contract is up this summer.

http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/reports-of-french-clubs-about-to-sign-high-profile-irish-players-appear-false-1.1622481

And the games go on..

RoyalCelt

When will these deals likely be done by?

mod edit: already being discussed on leinster thread no need for more threads on this