Transfer Rumours: Cipriani to Toulon, Ford to Wasps, Slade to Bath

Transfer Rumours: Cipriani to Toulon, Ford to Wasps, Slade to Bath

  • George Ford could still move to Wasps despite Sale deal reportedly close
  • Toulon may move for Danny Cipriani, freeing up Wasps wage cap
  • Henry Slade could be replacing Ford as Todd Blackadder looks to strengthen his options
Wasps could be planning a last-minute hijack of Sale Sharks move for England fly-half George Ford, with French giants Toulon looking closely at Danny Cipriani. 

The Sharks, who emerged favourites a few weeks ago, remain confident they will get their man, who has invoked a get out clause in his Bath contract, in a deal that could be worth up to and over £600,000 a year.



In Neil Fissler’s Rugby Paper column, he said: “I understand that Wasps are keeping eyes on developments and could make a late move if Ford’s dad, Mike, follows up his interest in Cipriani.”

Cipriani rejoined Wasps last summer from Sharks on a two-year contract in a bid to boost his chances of regaining a place in the England squad.



However, Eddie Jones seems settled with Ford and Owen Farrell, meaning the fly-half may choose to cut his losses and move to Toulon along with fellow England exile Chris Ashton, who is leaving Saracens to join the three-time European Champions at the end of the season.

The fly-half has also so far been unable displace Jimmy Gopperth as the number one play-maker at the Ricoh Arena this season.

Gloucester, who have already confirmed Greig Laidlaw and James Hook will leave at the end of the season have also been linked to Cipriani.

Wasps chairman Derek Richardson met Dai Young to discuss next summer’s transfer plans with Ford at the top of the agenda.



Bath, who failed to land Henry Slade last summer, are now reportedly willing to come in with even bigger money for the Exeter man, paying a fee to Chiefs as well as making him the clubs highest paid player.

Slade, who signed a contract extension with Exeter would definitely fit the bill given he has played with players like Jonathan Joseph, Anthony Watson and Semesa Rokoduguni at England level before and would be a natural fit to the brand of rugby that Bath have preferred to play.

All we can really say is watch this space…

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