Toulon have been slapped with a hefty €500,000 fine for failing to disclose key details regarding the deal that brought Welsh rugby legend Dan Biggar to the club in 2022.
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A probe by France’s salary cap commission revealed discrepancies surrounding the payment of up to £350,000 in severance compensation by Northampton to Biggar.
The commission found that this payment was not properly declared in Toulon’s official documents.
The eye-watering fine, handed down on Tuesday night, is particularly severe as Toulon were previously found guilty of similar transparency issues during the signing of Cheslin Kolbe in 2021. The French rugby giants have announced their intention to appeal the decision.
“The €500,000 fine is strongly contested by the club, who will appeal this decision in the coming days to the French Rugby Federation Appeals Commission,” the three-time European Cup winners said in a statement.
Nigel Owens reveals worst player he’s ever dealt with as he opens up on Dan Biggar and Maro Itoje
After retiring from international rugby, Owens has revealed three of the worst rugby stars he ever had to officiate during his career.
1. Austin Healey
Healey is a former English rugby union player known for his versatility and dynamic playing style. He enjoyed a distinguished career with Leicester Tigers and England, earning 51 caps. Post-retirement, Healey transitioned into media, becoming a respected pundit and commentator, contributing his insights to rugby coverage.
Owens said: “Definitely Healey. I only caught him towards the end of his career, thankfully.
“A wonderfully talented player and a very good pundit now, but he always had plenty say and quickly assumed I didn’t like him.
“He’s actually blocked me on Twitter, but I don’t think I’m the only one.”
