Nick Abendanon drawing interest from home as Clermont stay nears end

FORMER England full-back Nick Abendanon is set to return to the United Kingdom when his contract with Clermont Auvergne runs out this summer.

Abendanon, 33, won two England caps during nine years with Bath before he moved to the Top 14 with Clermont five years ago.

The South African-born star is keen to continue his career for at least another couple of seasons and is hoping to attract plenty of offers from both the PRO14 and the Premiership.

Blindside understands that one of the first clubs to have been in touch to make an offer are Glasgow and they are currently leading the race to sign him up.

Abendanon clocked up his 50th appearance in the European Champions Cup win over his former club Bath last Friday evening.

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Gustard on lookout for cavalry to bring in immediately at Harlequins

HARLEQUINS boss Paul Gustard is desperately trying to get some reinforcements into the club before they return to Premiership action in a couple of weeks.

Quins travel to Wasps on Saturday week and are desperate to avoid being dragged into a relegation dogfight which could happen with a poor run of form.

Gustard wants to strengthen his squad with a full-back and a hooker at the very top of his wanted list.

And he has been looking to see which players are available to take up a short- term contract at the Stoop.

Ross Chisholm has been filling in for Mike Brown at full-back in recent weeks, after the club’s record holder for appearances was likely ruled out for the season with a knee injury.

NEIL FISSLER