Whitelock chased

Mourad Boudjellal, the president of rich French rugby club Toulon, is reported to have sounded out All Blacks lock Sam Whitelock about a move to Europe. Whitelock, who is off contract with NZ Rugby after the All Blacks’ series against the British and Irish Lions this winter, would be a prized signing for Toulon who are on the hunt for a worldclass lock. Toulon, the French club champions, already have former All Blacks midfielder Ma’a Nonu on their books and French publication L’Equipe said Whitelock is also being targeted.