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Savea's not alone - the full scale of Boudjellal's fury at misfiring Toulon

Rhys Webb

Julian Savea was not the only Toulon player to face the full force of club boss Mourad Boudjellal’s post-match rant following the weekend’s defeat at Agen.

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Boudjellal’s comments about the former All Black on RMC Sport – and the unacceptable abuse the player and his wife suffered on social media – have understandably dominated the headlines.

But the Toulon owner has not confined his anger to just the World Cup winner.

Boudjellal had promised fireworks were coming when he announced he would stand down as Toulon President in 2023. What he delivered following Saturday’s defeat was beyond fireworks. It was a full-on 24-cannon broadside from close range.

Continue reading below…

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Boudjellal was not at Stade Armandie to see Toulon lose 19-10. He watched the game from London – and it’s safe to say he was far from impressed. The fact he was more than 1,000 miles away was probably the only saving grace for the players, who learned of his fury from afar.

“Except for the youngsters, all the players are free [agents],” he fumed. “The survival of the club depends on it. Some people don’t understand what this jersey and this club represents.

Mourad Boudjellal

“If the players were as keen on the pitch as they were on negotiating their contracts, we’d be European champions.”

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He threatened bus trips for all future away matches this season – which, if he carries through with his threat, includes an eight-and-a-half-hour trek to La Rochelle, and a drive of more than five hours to Clermont. “Those who don’t like it, won’t come,” he said.

French fly-half Anthony Belleau was among the players namechecked. “He has caught the virus from the French team. They can’t play anymore – and I understand why he doesn’t start in the national team given his current level…”

Belleau has recently signed a contract extension at the club, but may be having second thoughts following the latest comments from his boss. Others who are in mid-contract may also be wondering whether they should dust down their CVs.

Toulon’s Anthony Belleau
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Scrum-half Rhys Webb – who told the Daily Telegraph last week that he would see out the final two years of his contract, despite his family returning to Wales after failing to settle on the south coast of France – is one of those. In a strangely suggestive sideswipe, Boudjellal said: “His agents are offering him all over Wales, while he still owes us one more year on his contract. Don’t worry, I won’t hold him back.”

It was revealed recently that Francois Trinh-Duc had agreed to join Racing 92 at the end of the season. It had even been suggested – until Dan Carter’s short-term switch was confirmed at the weekend – that Racing boss Jacky Lorenzetti was keen for Trinh-Duc to begin his Racing career a few months early.

France’s Francois Trinh-Duc

Boudjellal insisted no talks had taken place between the clubs. He said: “We didn’t have any request from Racing. If they had, we’d look at it. There were no discussions. Is it possible to release him? Considering how we’ve played the season…”

Nor was head coach Patrice Collazo spared. So far this season, Boudjellal has kept his counsel on Toulon’s performances under Collazo – even stating publicly that he would “go to the ProD2” with his coach.

But, after Agen, the president warned: “Patrice is at the start of a project. He faces no pressure this season, but he will have to get results if he wants to gain the confidence of the Toulon fans.”

He was so disappointed with his side’s performance, he said that he may not make it to Stade Mayol for the rest of the season. “I’d rather go to the circus!” he said. Right now, the players may be willing to pay for his tickets.

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Soliloquin 36 minutes ago
Why New Zealand learned more from their July series than France

For Fischer, many people in France are still doubting him - it’s the first time he has a full season (31 games). Before, he was always injured at some point. He’s 27, so not the youngest, and you have a younger Boudehent or Jégou behind.

His physicality is incredible, but he didn’t prove he’s got hands. He just proved he was able to defend like a beast.

But you know, even Cros has improved his handling skills lately, so it’s never too late!

And he will play the Champions Cup with a solid Bayonne side, so let’s see!


I don’t agree with ‘only Fischer’: Brennan proved he’s a great 4/7 utility player, and Galthié likes those very much (Woki or Flament). He’s 23, playing for Toulouse with high concurrence, so the prospect is good. I rate him higher than Auradou, who had a few games in the 6 Nations.

For Depoortère, he had a more silent season than the previous one - injured at the worst moment during the Autumn Tests series - but came back strong with a Champions Cup and a solid partnership with Moefana. What could save him would be to start playing as a 12 when Moefana isn’t there, bulking up and become the new Jauzion.

But he’s 22 and an incredible talent at 13. His height makes me think he had more potential than your fan favorite Costes or the utility player that is Gailleton.


As for Montagne or Mallez, with the lack of quality in props, they could find a spot!

Especially Mallez who’s got a good spot to get behind Baille at Toulouse. Neti isn’t the youngest and hasn’t an international level.


And again, as Ugo Mola said, you never play with your best team.

So 30-32 player is more of a 38-40, so you need back-ups.

France knows very well how useful they can be during RWCs.

235 Go to comments
S
Soliloquin 53 minutes ago
Why New Zealand learned more from their July series than France

Hastoy was a good prospect before the 2023 RWC, he was the fly-half who led La Rochelle to the victory in the Champions Cup final in Dublin against Leinster.

But he made it to the squad only because Ntamack got his ACL.

He played against Uruguay, which a terribly poor game by the French side, and since then he declined a bit, alongside his club.

Under the pressure of Reus and West at 10, he regained some credit at the end of the season (among all a drop at the 81st minute of a game).

He’s quite good everywhere, but not outstanding.

He doesn’t have the nerves, the defense and the tactical brain of Ntamack, the leadership and the creativity of Ramos or the exceptional attacking skills of Jalibert.


I really hope that:

-Ntamack will get his knee back. The surgery went well. He wasn’t the most elusive player in the world, but he was capable of amazing rushes like the one against NZ in 2021 or the Brennus-winning try in 2023.

-Jalibert will continue to improve his defense. He started working hard since March (after his defensive disaster against England) with a XIII specialist, and I’ve seen great moments, especially against Ntamack in the SF of the Champions Cup. It’s never too late. And it would be a great signal for Galthié.

-Hastoy will build up his partnership with Le Garrec, that La Rochelle will start a new phase with them and Niniashvili, Alldritt, Atonio, Boudehent, Jegou, Bosmorin, Bourgarit, Nowell, Wardi, Daunivucu, Kaddouri, Pacôme…

235 Go to comments
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