Short-lived retirement for Rory Kockott as he signs for Top 14 club

Former France international Rory Kockott has ended his short-lived retirement to take up a short-term playing contract at Stade Francais. The 37-year-old South African, who was capped 11 times by Les Bleus under Philippe Saint-Andre, was set to call it quits after his stellar 12-year stint at Castres came to an end after the 2022/23 season.

However, those boots won’t be hung up just yet as Kockott has taken up the offer of a Rugby World Cup cover deal at Stade Francais due to the delayed arrival of New Zealander Brab Webber and an injury to Hugo Zabalza.

A statement read: “Stade Francais is pleased to welcome Rory Kockott, the French international with 11 caps, to its professional team. Engaged as a World Cup joker, the club will count on Rory's experience and professionalism to make a successful start to the season during the World Cup period.

“Rory, 37, spent 12 seasons at Castres Olympique where he was twice crowned France champion. The scrum-half will join the professional squad next Monday. The whole Club welcomes Rory.”

Assistant coach Paul Gustard said: "We are very pleased to welcome Rory's reinforcement at scrum-half. One of our recruits, Brad Weber, will join us only after the end of the World Cup because of his contract with the New Zealand federation.

“Also, unfortunately in this pre-season we recorded the temporary injury of one of our other recruits, Hugo Zabalza (between four and six weeks depending on the medical advice).

“In this position, we identified a need to strengthen ourselves because only Jules Gimbert and Thibault Motassi are available today and in case of problems, we needed coverage for our first three games (a trip to Perpignan followed by Oyonnax and Montpellier at home). Rory was available, competitive and wanted the challenge.”