Southern Kings and Toulon enter partnership negotiations

Top 14 side Toulon have announced that the club have entered into exclusive negotiations with South African franchise the Southern Kings for a potential partnership between the two clubs.

According to the statement released by the Top 14 side, the partnership will be based on an exchange of skills between the two clubs, with the possibility of lending players, sharing methods of training and physical preparation, organise joint courses and friendly matches and even carry out operations public relations between the partner companies of the two entities.

The Southern Kings recently become the first South African side with the majority share of the side being owned by a private company and are currently one of two South African sides competing in the Pro 14.

Commenting on the news, Toulon statement said:

'Rugby Club Toulonnais is happy to be able to consider this partnership which will bring, suddenly, new skills for the next seasons'.

Southern Kings’ Deputy Chairman, Rory Stear, and Chief Operations Officer, Charl Crous, travelled to France this week where they met Toulon President, Mourad Boudjellal, to conclude an agreement which will see an immediate close working relationship between the South African franchise and French club.

“This is an amazing opportunity for the Southern Kings to twin with a renowned club such as Toulon – an iconic club in the world,” Isuzu Southern Kings Deputy Chairman, Rory Stear, said.

“Toulon is a club that has had a good South African link with great Springboks like Bryan Habana, Bakkies Botha, Victor Matfield, Juandre Kruger, Jacques Potgieter and Marcel van der Merwe playing for them. While other world greats like Johnny Wilkinson and currently Julian Sevea playing for them.

“This is an exciting partnership that will see us ensure that we are on track with our determination to make the Isuzu Southern Kings a world force, just like Toulon.

“We are excited and looking forward to a long and fruitful relationship with Toulon.”