Springbok winger Bryan Habana has agreed to join South
Africa’s Western Province, but only after Toulon refused to
up their original offer to the player.
Habana,
26, had long been
tipped to play in Top 14,
with both Bayonne and Toulon interested in his services, but
it appears he opted to remain in South Africa after a
last-ditch attempt to squeeze more money from the Toulon
proved fruitless.
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Pre-season friendlies
Habana’s
father Bernie has been driving his son’s negotiations and
last week the former IRB Player of the Year made a
well-publicised visit to Western Province after they
belatedly entered the race for his signature.
But
according to L’Equipe the player’s father was
simultaneously in discussions with Toulon as he tried to use
the high level of interest to gain leverage in contract
negotiations. Toulon had previously made a verbal offer to
Habana when he visited the club prior the start of the
season, but L’Equipe said that president Mourad
Boudjellal broke off discussions late last week when the
player sought a salary increase.
That
paved the way for Western Province to seal his signature
from the Bulls, with reports that merely the fine details
need to be ironed out on a proposed two-year deal.
Western
Province chairman Patty Kuhn was quoted in The Star
saying “there are still some small things to finalise in the
contract but it is looking very good”.
He
described Habana as a world-class wing who would bring added
quality to the franchise. “Cape Town and the team needs a
player like him,” added Kuhn.
Toulon’s
Boudjellal had already dug deep into his personal fortune to
finance a string of purchases over the past few season –
most notably the high-profile captures of Jonny Wilkinson
and Sonny Bill Williams – but it appears that even
Top 14’s most benevolent owner had his limits.
The
perceived gamble on Wilkinson has so far proved an
overwhelming success, both on both of their opening games.
The England World Cup winner has kicked 31 points to date,
helping his side to an opening day
22-22 draw against Stade Francais
and a 27-13 victory against Racing-Metro at the weekend,
when he also had a hand in both of his
team’s tries.
Wilkinson left the pitch shortly after the hour-mark on
Saturday, but the club has allayed fears he was injured by
saying he was merely rested as a precaution against further
damaging a sore groin.
Williams, meanwhile, may have to undergo an operation as he
continues to be bothered by swelling to the fibula he
fractured at the beginning of last season. The former NRL
star has yet to feature for Toulon this season is due to
undergo further medical tests today to determine the next
move. If he does require an operation he is likely to be out
of action for a further month.
There
was better news concerning Scottish full-back Rory Lamont
– who signed from Sale Sharks in the summer. The
international has played both of Toulon’s league matches so
far but sustained a sprained left wrist against Racing and
is now doubtful for next weekend’s trip to SCA Albi. He
should, however, be available again for the September 2nd
home clash with Clermont Auvergne.
That could still be a too
soon for scrum-half Pierre Mignoni though, with the
former Clermont player only resuming training this week
after going off injured in Toulon’s opening match against
Stade Francais.
