“End of the rumour.”

Clermont have issued a statement following rumours that former Ulster and Ireland outhalf Paddy Jackson is close to agreeing a deal with the French giants.

Jackson and former teammate Stuart Olding both had their contracts revoked by the IRFU on Saturday, and have been linked with moves to Clermont and Exeter respectively.

The Chiefs have since come out to say they are not interested in a move for Olding, and now Clermont have move to end all rumours, categorically denying Jackson will join them.

“There is no contact between Paddy Jackson and the club and no desire on our part to engage his services.” Clermont boss Franck Azéma said.

“I trust our workforce in this position where we do not lack resources with Camille Lopez, Patricio Fernandez, Ice Toeava and Dorian Lavernhe who continues to progress and whom we trust.”

“With the constraints imposed by the Salary Cap, it is not possible to strengthen the position of opener where the internal solutions are numerous.”

“End of the rumour.”