Toulon is reportedly on the brink of orchestrating a midseason player swap with struggling Top 14 side Montpellier, as per Midi Olympique.
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According to the sources, Christopher Tolofua, the 30-year-old hooker with eight caps for France, is poised to be exchanged for Montpellier and Italy’s 23-year-old fly-half, Paolo Garbisi.
This move is seen as Toulon’s proactive measure to secure a replacement for the ailing Dan Biggar, the former Wales captain, who is grappling with a back injury that might potentially lead to retirement according to the report.
Biggar, who only retired from international rugby after the 2023 Rugby World Cup, suffered a back spasm when taking a conversion and has struggled to recover.
Regardless of Biggar’s future in the sport, Toulon’s decision to bring in Garbisi, who is eleven years younger than the Welshman, reflects the club’s forward-thinking approach.
As a three-time European champion, Toulon is evidently looking to fortify its roster with a promising talent for the seasons ahead.
Nigel Owens’ Six Nations dream team includes three England internationals
Fullback: Israel Folau (Australia), replaced by Leigh Halfpenny (Wales)
Owens said: “For me, it’s nip and tuck between Halfpenny and Folau, next to nothing to choose between them. Leigh is brilliant because under the high ball and with his kicking at goal under pressure. He may not always break the line when running but puts his body on the line in defence and is a top-notch match-winner.”
Winger: Stuart Hogg (Scotland)
Owens said: “How can you fail to be impressed when watching Hogg play. He’s so exciting as he burst into that line and, of course, was named Six Nations player of the tournament.
“I know he’s a full-back for Scotland, but he is so quick and direct he could easily play on the wing. He reminds me a bit of Shane Williams with some of the things he does.
“When you see who is on the other wing in my team, you’ll see how they would work brilliantly in tandem.”
Outside-centre: Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland)
Owens said: “Not only is he one of the greatest centres in the history of rugby union but he’s a fantastic man off the field as well. O’Driscoll has been a wonderful ambassador for the sport and a real leader. He always respected referees and set the right example for others to follow.
“A legend of the game who conducted himself superbly, on and off the pitch.”
Inside-centre: Ma’a Nonu (New Zealand), replaced by Owen Farrell (England)
Owens praised Farrell as a player on numerous occasions.
On one occasion he wrote: “I can only speak from my own experience of refereeing him and, when I did, he was an excellent captain to deal with.
“I have a huge amount of respect for him as a player and a person. He always knew where the line was with me.
“I would say to him that he could always come and talk to me as long as it was at the right time and in the right tone and he always did that.”
Winger: Shane Williams (Wales)
Owens said: “When people ask me who is the best player I have refereed it’s pretty much an impossible task to pick one because I’ve been lucky enough to take charge of so many greats.
“But if I’m pushed, I would pick Shane for what he achieved after coming from football at 17 or 18 years of age.
“He was in the mould of Gerald Davies in how he left defenders gasping for air as he beat them with those dazzling sidesteps. Nobody would fancy defending against a back three of Shane, Hogg and Folau, I can tell you that.”