Jack Singleton set for immediate effect switch to the Top 14 – report

Jack Singleton is reportedly set to become the latest England international to play his club rugby across the Channel, with reports in France claiming he is ready to join Toulon with immediate effect as a medical joker.

Despite signing a contract extension with Gloucester last May, the three-cap hooker hasn’t been able to force his way back into George Skivington’s selection plans following last December’s serious leg injury that required surgery.

Singleton made his first appearance of the season off the bench last month in Gloucester’s home Gallagher Premiership hammering by Saracens and he then started the following week’s loss at Sale.

However, he hasn’t been involved since then and L’Equipe have now reported that he is poised for a switch to Toulon. Their story read: “Another Englishman in the harbour? After David Ribbans (28) arrived after the World Cup, and before Kyle Sinckler (30) and Lewis Ludlam (27) next season, Toulon are taking a close interest in another England international.

“According to our information, it is Jack Singleton, the Gloucester hooker (27 years old, three caps). The file is well underway.

“Due to the injury of Teddy Baubigny (fractured hand) and the ongoing injury of Anthony Etrillard (achilles tendon), RCT is in difficulty and needs to be strengthened.

“But not just any old way. ‘We're not going to take someone for the sake of taking someone,’ said manager Pierre Mignoni on Saturday night after the 41-19 win over Castres. It is certainly a bit of a rush, but Beka (Gigashvili) and Kieran (Brookes) can help out. In haste, mistakes can be made. If we have a good opportunity we will take it, otherwise we will do nothing’.”

Singleton joined Gloucester for the August 2020 restart of the suspended 2019/20 campaign and was very much their first-choice hooker, making 19 starts in his 21 Premiership appearances in the 2021/22 season. He then went on to make 10 appearances last term before his injury.