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Toulon confirm worst kept transfer secret of the season
By Neil Fissler
Toulon have finally officially confirmed the worst-kept news of last season. They are taking England stars Kyle Sinckler and Lewis Ludlam to the Cote d’Azur this summer.
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Bristol Bears tight-head Sinckler, 31, who started his career with Harlequins and has won 69 England caps and another seven for The Lions on two tours, arrives on a three-year deal.
A World Cup finalist in 2019 and a member of Steve Borthwick’s squad that finished third in France last year, he admitted that he was honoured to represent a club as special as Toulon.
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“I will give the best of myself to represent the Red & Black jersey with dignity. I also want to test myself in the best championship and against the best props every weekend and to be able to contribute to Toulon’s future successes.”
Toulon’s sporting director, Laurent Emmanuelli, added: “Kyle is a player who combines power, skill and explosiveness. He is aware of the consequent challenge that awaits him in Top 14.”
Meanwhile, back-row Ludlam, 28, has also signed a three-year deal fresh from helping Northampton Saints lift the Premiership trophy against Bath at Twickenham.
The 6’3, 111kg Ludlam, who can play anywhere across the back row, was tipped for the Lions tour to Australia. He made 126 appearances for Saints, his only club, and was capped 24 times by England.
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Emmanuelli admitted that Ludlam was a player they had been interested in for some time and are finally glad to have completed the signing.
“Lewis is a player we have been following for some time. Always present at the forefront of the fight, a good defender, able to provide solutions in touch and scratch balls, Lewis is one of the players of character as our supporters love them. “He also has significant leadership qualities since he has been the captain of the Saints for three seasons now.”
Who was tipping Ludlam for the Lions? No disrespect meant, but he couldn’t even lock down an England place.
Ben Earl is golden boy. That won't change. Ludlum has done the right thing, got to think of family. The funniest thing is Sinkler. Totally conned the French. Bristol will be laughing to get rid of the 500k money sink. Can't scrummage and very Lazy. Toulon will regret this.