Share

Toulon to join English Premiership?

London - Toulon president Mourad Boudjellal has made an official request for his European champions to leave the French Top 14 and play in England, an English Premiership spokesman confirmed on Thursday.

The charismatic comic strip publisher sent a letter to English league bosses at Twickenham this week, Thursday's L'Equipe reported.

A spokesman from the Premiership told AFP: "We received a letter from Mourad Boudjellal yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon.

"At the moment it is too early to give a formal response, but we will give the matter due consideration and respond in due course."

Boudjellal, who is regularly in conflict with the Top 14 management, said: "It's not a provocation."

The 55-year-old accuses the French league of meddling in his "private business" and has made numerous threats to quit the domestic game.

He said he had told the English Premiership that if it was not possible for Toulon to join them next season "then perhaps the year after".

He added in L'Equipe: "For them (the English), other than being a first, it would be an enormous plus. And I'm serious in my request.

"Monaco compete in France's football championship, Ligue 1, and no one finds that curious.

"After winning the European Cup (2013, 2014 and 2015) if I can become the first French club in the history of the English championship, you don't think I'd do it?" he asked the paper.

Ahead of Toulon's clash with Bath in the European Champions Cup on Saturday the Toulon boss added: "Rugby's financial future is in England rather than in France, given the way the two leagues are managed.

"The English make good decisions."

A spokesman from English federation the Rugby Football Union (RFU) told AFP that it had not been contacted by Boudjellal.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE