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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.
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.
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The weather was dreadful but the playing surface was great so there is no real excuse for such another poor standard of play from both sides. Dragons just the better team. But, what a shocking decision by the TMO not to award the Fifita try. This pretty much sums up Welsh rugby with poor teams and poor officials. The WRU have a lot of work to do and it needs to be done quickly to avoid rugby being lost to our future generations.
Go to commentsNo chance of Borthwick selecting any young talent. He announced his selection policy from the outset with naming a poor OF as Captain, retaining an equally poor Youngs and Vunipola brothers when there were many better EQP in the Premiership. SB revival of Leicester was based on SA muscle and a terrific Welsh flanker he has generally ignored young English talent.
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