The future of Jack Crowley could well be confirmed soon after reports that the Ireland fly-half has moved a step closer to making his decision.
Munster’s star playmaker has been linked with a switch to the English Premiership after Leicester Tigers offered an eye-watering sum of money for the talented playmaker.
Leicester are looking for a top-class player to replace double Rugby World Cup-winning Springboks star Handre Pollard, who will return to the Bulls next season.
It was reported the Tigers put an offer of £600,000 on the table, a deal which understandably proved tempting for Crowley.
IRFU confidence
However, according to the Irish Independent, the IRFU are “increasingly confident” that the fly-half will reject the English club’s advances and commit to Munster next season.
The outlet claims that it is the “lure” of the Ireland 10 jersey which has been crucial in convincing him to remain in the country, despite the frustration of the past few months.
Following Johnny Sexton’s retirement, Crowley was handed the reins for the 2024 Six Nations, but he was usurped by talented youngster Sam Prendergast in the middle of the Autumn Nations Series.
Prendergast continued in the fly-half jersey for the recent Six Nations, starting in four matches, but he failed to truly nail down the shirt and his rival was brought back for the final match with Italy.
The 22-year-old has since signed a new deal with Leinster – announced on Tuesday – but interestingly it was not a central contract.
It is understood that Crowley, who had hoped to be moved onto an IRFU deal, will also not be among that select group who are contracted by the governing body should he stay.
He was offered a provincial deal with his wage being topped up by the IRFU as part of the ‘Player of National Interest’ scheme.
Leicester’s offer reportedly blew that out of the water, but it seems as though the 25-year-old is determined to fight for that Ireland spot.
No firm update from Munster
Recently, Munster coach Mossy Lawler was asked about the future of Crowley but he was unable to give a firm answer.
“Yeah, look, no update on Jack yet. But it’s something from a rugby department point of view we haven’t focused on,” Lawler told RTE Radio.
“Jack has come in this week full of beans like he always is, ready to play. We’re just worrying about Jack Crowley the rugby player as opposed to what happens off the pitch.”
He also couldn’t provide a timeline on when it might be confirmed, adding: “Hopefully it will be imminent that we get news soon but look – as I say – I know everybody wants to know but we are just focusing on the game ahead.
“Jack will obviously be involved this week so that will be our focal point.”
However, another positive sign for the province is that Leicester appear to have turned their attentions elsewhere with Wales fly-half Gareth Anscombe among those being linked.
👀 READ MORE: Simon Easterby confidently addresses Jack Crowley exit rumours as Leicester launch bold bid
Src: Planetrugby.com - https://www.planetrugby.com/news/jack-crowley-set-to-decide-future-as-lure-proves-too-strong-for-ireland-fly-half-report
