Toulon circus continues to amaze

ONE wonders what Paul O’Connell makes of the constant circus that is Toulon. The former Ireland captain was signed by the French club with the intention of helping to change their culture.

The move never materialised due to the hamstring injury he suffered at the 2015 World Cup and in the years since, Toulon have been on the decline.

Their outspoken owner Mourad Boudjellal launched a scathing public attack on former All Blacks winger Julian Savea as he said that he is no longer welcome at the club.

Several players have come out backing Savea and he responded to Boudjellal’s controversial comments by writing on Twitter: “Putting all the negativity behind me and heading into this week with a positive attitude. Whether I am welcomed or not I am still contracted to my team and I will continue to train week in and week out with my brothers #endofstory #letsmoveon”.

There are plenty of top clubs who would love to sign Savea, despite the 28-year-old not having set the world alight since moving from New Zealand.

Wales scrum-half Rhys Webb’s days also look to be numbered as Boudjellal has claimed that his agent is trying to engineer a move home with a view to playing for Warren Gatland’s side at the World Cup.

Webb’s family have recently moved back to Wales after one of his sons struggled to settle in France.

Meanwhile, the exodus from Savea’s home country after the World Cup will continue with the confirmation that All Blacks flanker Liam Squire will join Japanese club NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes.