Could Paul O’Connell see out his career in the south of France?
The Irish Times are saying it’s a possibility, with Toulon believed to be interested in capturing the Irish legend for a couple of seasons before he retires.
O’Connell’s contract with the IRFU expires in the summer of 2016, and The Times say the potentially triple European champions are eager for him to be released from his contract to join them after the World Cup.
The Irish captain has publicly said he’s still unsure about whether or not to continue his career after the tournament, but the French giants are believed to be ready to make him an offer he can’t refuse, with their current second-rows, Ali Williams and Bakkies Botha leaving at the end of this season.
UPDATE: Toulon have issued a strong statement denying O’Connell has signed for the club and insisting ‘any alleged contacts between the player and the Rouge et Noir are pure speculation’.
PAUL O'CONNELL N'A PAS SIGNÉ AU RCThttp://t.co/dKAF5WvlJP pic.twitter.com/q7XSQbj7ns
— RCT – RC Toulon (@RCTofficiel) April 21, 2015
Toulon have already confirmed that Ma’a Nonu and Napolioni Nalaga would be joining the for next season, while they’re also expected to land South African number 8 Duane Vermuelen and Australian outhalf Quade Cooper.
Hat-tip The Irish Times
