Reports from France indicate that Rabah Slimani, a French International tighthead prop, has completed his medical at Leinster as part of his pending two-year contract with the province. Slimani chose this opportunity over an acceptance to be part of the coaching team of his previous club, Clermont, as disclosed by Clermont’s Head Coach, Christophe Urios.
During a conversation with La Montagne, Urios described Slimani’s imminent move to Leinster as an “exceptional opportunity”. Slimani confirmed to the media outlet that he has completed his medical for Leinster, with the deal now awaiting final clearance.
Urios shared that Slimani had signed a coaching contract with Clermont last season, expressing his desire to return to play. However, Clermont couldn’t compete with the two-year contract offered by Leinster. Urios emphasized that they will now dissolve their existing contract with Slimani, accepting that this is an exceptional opportunity for him.
At 34, Slimani is set to replace Samoan International prop Michael Ala’alatoa, who is exchanging Leinster for Clermont this summer. Slimani, with 57 national caps to his name and his last international performance in 2019, has previously played for Clermont over a hundred times in a span of seven years, after nearly 190 appearances for Stade Francais.
Slimani is the third non-Irish recruit for Leinster this coming season, following the announcements of RG Snyman and Jordie Barrett also joining the province.