Two French giants eyeing Duhan van der Merwe - reports

Toulon have joined Racing 92 in the race to sign Scotland and Worcester Warriors winger Duhan van der Merwe, according to reports in France.

The Parisian outfit have already been linked with the 106kg winger to serve as injury cover for incoming rugby league star Regan Grace from St Helens, who ruptured his Achilles tendon last month, but Midi Olympique have reported that Toulon are also circling van der Merwe amid Worcester's financial struggles.

The British & Irish Lion has already had a stint playing in France, representing Montpellier in the 2016/17 season before a move to Edinburgh kickstarted his career. After four years in the Scottish capital, in which he qualified for Scotland, he made the move to Sixways at the beginning of last season.

The Midi Olympique report also says that flanker Kyle Hatherell is on the verge of signing for reigning Heineken Champions Cup winners La Rochelle after catching the eye of a number of clubs in England as well.

It was confirmed over the weekend that the Worcester players have been paid their wages following an IT issue at the bank, but there seems to be no end to the crisis they find themselves in, and as a consequence, Top 14 clubs are looking to benefit.

“This situation must be stressful for you all, we are sorry we are in this boat and we’ve done everything we can do avoid it, all we can do now is deal with what’s in front of us,” wrote Warriors co-owners Jason Whittingham and Colin Goldring in an internal memo.

“Regarding the payroll situation, the bank have finally confirmed the issue has been resolved and we can process the rest of the player and staff salary payments, some having already gone through.

“No doubt your focus will be on the immediate payroll situation, but I’d also like to say things are progressing well behind the scenes with one investor group in particular.”