When Paul O’Connell signed with Toulon, surely he envisioned a life of sun, sand and sea in the south of France.
We’re not sure if rainy Fridays at Kingsholm or rain-sodden Sundays at Sandy Park were part of the plan.
And yet that is exactly what could happen if Toulon’s owner Mourad Boudjellal gets his wish.
The perennially outspoken Boudjellal is seriously considering upping sticks from the Top 14 and relocating in England.
So incensed is the Toulon chief with player payment restrictions that he is threatening to pull the three-time Champions Cup winners out of France’s domestic rugby league.
In an intriguing interview with L’Equipe, Boudjellal praises the Premiership executives for freeing up their clubs to attract major rugby talent. He also cites the fact that Monaco – a principality – are permitted to play football in France’s Ligue 1.
He comments, “The economic future of rugby is in England rather than France because of the way the two leagues are governed. The English take good decisions.” Boudejellal adds:
“If it is not possible next season, maybe the one after that. This would be a big first for [the Premiership]; it would be a huge added value.
“I am very serious about this. Monaco play in the French Ligue 1 and no-one finds it strange.”
Sound unbelievable? Premiership officials confirmed they did get a letter from Toulon.
#Toulon want to join English Premiership. No, really. @premrugby confirm they've received letter. Say "too early to make a formal response".
— Alex Spink (@alexspinksport) January 21, 2016
We’re not sure what the likes of Matt Giteau, Bryan Habana, Drew Mitchell and Duane Vermeulen would say about relocating to Blighty.
On the other hand, English ex-pats Delon and Steffon Armitage may welcome the move home.
