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Toulon closing in on England pair with players spotted in city - report
By Ian Cameron
Toulon are reportedly closing in on the signatures of England internationals – according to French media reports.
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Kyle Sinckler and Lewis Ludlam, from Bristol Bears and Northampton Saints respectively, were alleged to have visited the club’s training facilities at Campus Rugby Club Toulonnais in the port city during England camp downtime during the recently ended Rugby World Cup.
The news comes amid continuing financial difficulties faced by many Gallagher Premiership clubs, which have made it an ongoing challenge for them to retain their top talents.
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England’s strong showing in the Rugby World Cup, where they secured a third-place finish, has rightly garnered respect across the sport, but it has also thrust its players in the proverbial shop window, making them even more sought after on the international market.
According to reports in the French rugby publication Midi Olympique, Sinckler and Ludlam were spotted in Toulon during the tournament. They are believed to have taken advantage of a brief period of downtime to visit Toulon’s world-class facilities, sparking speculation about their potential move to the French Top 14 club.
Sinckler, a tighthead known for his impressive scrummaging and ball-carrying abilities, currently plies his trade with Bristol Bears. Despite maybe struggling to find his best form in recent seasons, a potential move to Toulon would undoubtedly be a significant addition for the French outfit.
Ludlam – on the other hand – is currently a standout performer for Northampton Saints. At 27, the backrower is in his Test prime, and a move to France – which would almost certainly end his England ambitions – would raise eyebrows.
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Although no official announcements have been made regarding their transfers, the sight of Sinckler and Ludlam in Toulon’s facilities has set tongues wagging among the French media. Toulon have already signed Dave Ribbans, while a significant number of ex-England players have already decamped to the Top 14 over the summer. Young English talents like Henry Arundell and Jack Willis are already in Racing 92 and Toulouse respectively.
A glamour club, Toulon have a storied history of attracting top talent from around the globe and has previously been home to several international stars.
Ludlam a big loss, Sinckler a bigger one.
England could head into the six nations with Tom Curry, Ben Earl, Sam Underhill, Tom Pearson, Tom Willis, and Zach Mercer, but who will we pick at tighthead? Will Stuart and 2 others?
Honestly under these circumstances I’d be happy to see Dan Cole carry on for another year or two. Otherwise I guess its some combination of Heyes, Davison, Balmain, and Collier. Davison, Balmain, and Collier will be 35 or older at the next world cup, so are hardly better long term options than Cole. And while Heyes might yet prove himself to be international standard, I think I’d rather wait for him to actually prove that through his club performances than see him handed token minutes at the end of games whose results have already been decided, which would serve only to put more pressure on Will Stuart.
you know this author knows nothing about rugby and scrum. Sinckler and Genge were exposed in the finals. he’s a nothing scrummager. what a joke article…
Not sure Sinckler IS known for his scrummaging abilities. Although he has mostly been good enough for England against teams other than SA. He doesn't seem to do any of the stuff in the loose he used to either though, his move to Bristol messed him up.
Totally agree. His scrummaging is average at best and hasn't ever shown much sign of improvement.
His handling skills are exceptional and he's got good footwork but all the aggression has gone out of his ball carrying.
We need a dominant scrummager and a powerful carrier but what we've got is 17 stone flyhalf.