Snubbed Wallabies halfback Gordon joins Toulon

Wallabies scrumhalf Jake Gordon is set to join Toulon as temporary cover during the Rugby World Cup, according to an announcement made by the French Top 14 club on Thursday. Gordon, 30, who has earned 20 caps for the Wallabies, was not included in Australia’s squad for the ongoing Rugby Championship.

Although the 29-year-old recently signed a contract extension with Rugby Australia until 2025, Gordon will temporarily join Toulon on the Cote d’Azur.

The move comes as Baptiste Serin, Toulon’s regular scrumhalf, will be away with the French national team in preparation for the World Cup, which commences on September 8.

Toulon head coach Pierre Mignoni praised Gordon’s experience and stated that he would bring leadership, vision, and physical qualities to the team.

“Jake is an experienced international scrumhalf,” Toulon head coach Pierre Mignoni said in a club statement. “He will bring his leadership, his vision and his physical qualities.”

Earlier this year Gordon has signed a two-year contract extension to remain with Australian Rugby until the end of 2025.

Wallaby number 935 and the current NSW captain, Gordon made his Test debut under Michael Cheika against Italy in Padova in 2018 before becoming a regular under Dave Rennie’s Wallabies’ tenure having now pulled on the gold jersey on 20 occasions.

A product of the NSW pathways, Gordon attended Blackwattle Bay High School and played for Canterbury Juniors, before representing Sydney University in the Shute Shield, and the NSW Country Eagles in the National Rugby Championship.

The scrumhalf has been an integral member of the Waratahs squad since making his debut in 2017, scoring 25 tries in his 78 appearances for the team.

He was appointed captain of the side ahead of the 2021 season and has led the team with distinction on and off the field. The Waratahs skipper has been one of the most consistent performers in Super Rugby over the past two seasons and was awarded the Waratahs best back for their 2021 and 2022 campaigns.

There have been rumors linking out-of-favor Wallaby Noah Lolesio to Toulon as well.