Toulon boss backtracks

Toulon owner Mourad Boudjellal has admitted he may have been too harsh in his criticism of former All Blacks winger Julian Savea after saying he was not welcome at the French rugby club.

Boudjellal made some explosive comments about Savea in February following the side’s 19-10 Top 14 defeat to Agen.

“I’m going to ask for a DNA test. They must have swapped him on the plane [when he joined from the Hurricanes last year]. If I were him I would apologise and go back to my home country,” Boudjellal told French radio RMC.

“I’ve told him that he was free to go and wasn’t welcome at Toulon any more,” he added.

Boudjellal has now backtracked on his criticism.

“At one point, it was him or me! Quit paying someone as much . . . especially at that rate. I may have been too harsh with him, but I am someone excessive and whole. I never shower with lukewarm water,” Boudjellal told Midi Olympique.

Boudjellal has a history making controversial statements.

Toulon are 10th in the Top 14 standings. Savea has scored three tries in 22 games.