Regan Grace will join Racing 92 at the end of the 2022 Super League season after turning down a contract extension from Super League champions St Helens; he will miss out on the playing for Wales in the Rugby League World Cup in the Autumn
Tuesday 5 July 2022 11:31, UK
Welsh international Regan Grace has turned down a contract extension from Super League side St Helens to join Top 14 rugby union side Racing 92.
Grace, who made his debut for St Helens in 2017, has made the decision to join Racing 92 at the end of the 2022 Super League season and return to the 15-man code he played as an amateur.
Having scored 89 tries in 143 games, Grace has been a stand-out star in the Super League, winning three Grand Finals and a Challenge Cup with the Saints.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Grace told saintsrlfc.com: "I want to thank everyone at St Helens especially Eamonn McManus, Mike Rush as well as Academy Head Coach Derek Traynor for bringing me up here and taking a risk on a young kid from Wales. It was a big move for me and I have loved every minute of being here.
"All the years being here, the club and coaches have looked after me well and have given me my chances. Thanks also to all of my team-mates who I have had the privilege of playing with.
"And of course, I want to thank all the St Helens fans, in particular the Imperial Exiles who sponsored me and looked after me when I first came over. Thanks also to the Donnellys and my partner's family too who have all played their part and help me feel at home.
"The town has been a big part of my life. I have spent my entire adult life here and it has become my home. It was such a hard decision to leave because of those emotions, but I want to go and test myself and experience a new challenge.
"To win three Super League titles and a Challenge Cup has been a dream come true and my full focus is now ensuring we win a fourth title at the end of the year."
Grace has been linked with a potential move to union for a while, while St Helens head coach Kristian Woolf made his desire clear to keep the quick-paced winger at the club.
Grace's move comes as a big blow to Wales who will now be without him for this Autumn's Rugby League World Cup.
St Helens chairman Eamonn McManus added: "Regan has been an exciting and important contributor to the major successes of the Saints in recent years.
"We clearly very much wanted him to stay at the Saints and in Super League in the years ahead.
"However, we fully accept and respect his decision to pursue a new career, life and lifestyle in France and wish him and his family every happiness and success."
