|
Centre of attention: Shontayne Hape
Photo: Michael Paler |
Cash-rich Toulon
are reportedly trying to lure England centre Shontayne
Hape to the Cote D'Azur.
The Top 14 side have
apparently switched their attention to Bath's Hape, 29,
after conceding defeat in their attempt to re-sign All
Blacks international Sonny Bill Williams.
Williams spent two
successful seasons at Toulon before returning to New Zealand
last year, and club owner Mourad Boudjellal had long
harboured hopes of bringing him back once the 2011 World Cup
had finished.
But it seems that not
even Boudjellal's renowned financial pull could tempt
Williams back, with the powerful centre set for a longer
sojourn in New Zealand following the signing of a major
sponsorship deal with Adidas.
"It's over", Boudjellal
told French newspaper Var Martin.
Hape has apparently
pulled back from contract negotiations with Bath following
Toulon's interest, with the big-spending French club also
keeping tabs on Stade Francais' hulking centre Mathieu
Bastareaud.
Elsewhere, the
Australian press has claimed that Stade Toulousain
fly-half Frédéric Michalak could sign for Super 15
newcomers Melbourne Rebels.
The Rebels suffered a
nightmare start to their maiden Super 15 campaign, losing
43-0 against NSW Waratahs and seeing starting fly-half James
Hilgendorf go off with a shoulder injury that will keep him
out for six weeks.
The Rebels do have a
readymade replacement in the shape of England exile Danny
Cipriani but the Sydney Morning Herald claimed coach
Rod Macqueen was eyeing up Michalak as possible cover.
The 28-year-old French
internationally is out of contract at the end of this season
and is yet to sign a new deal with the European champions.
he also spoke recently of his desire to play in Australia
after his unfinished business with South African franchise
Natal Sharks two years ago. That one-season deal was cut
short due to injury and Michalak is known to want to try his
hand at Super Rugby again.
Toulouse recently
confirmed that Stade Francais fly-half Lionel Beauxis will
join them next season, although current No 1 choice David
Skrela is leaving to join Clermont.
Michalak, capped 54
times by France, also has the added attraction of being able
to play at scrum-half.
Macqueen told AAP
there were "things that we have to look at this week",
before admitting that any decision to sign a replacement
would follow further medical advice on Hilgendorf's injury.
When pressed about the
Michalak speculation he said the French international was "a
good player, but that's too early to speculate about".
Finally, Clermont Auvergne new signing Lee Byrne says
he has "no regrets" about leaving Wales to play in France
next season.
The departing Ospreys
star has agreed a three-year deal with the defending French
champions and spoke glowingly about his future employers in
his Wales on Sunday column.
"I have played out
there [Clermont] before and it is a rugby mad place. The
atmosphere is electric and I am looking forward to play in
front of the home fans," he said.
"People this week have
spoken about Welsh players leaving this country to play
their club rugby in France and it is down to each individual
to make their own choice. All I can say for me is that teh
prospect of playing against the likes of Toulouse and
Perpignan, where James Hook will be playing next season, was
just too good an opportunity to turn down.
"The Top 14 gives me
the chance to experience different stadiums, different teams
and probably the best league in the world at the moment, and
you will see more top players going to France after the
World Cup. Toulon snapping up Matt Giteau last week just
proved that, and expect more big-name signings," he added.
