Trinh-Duc signs for Toulon

Editor

Toulon president Mourad Boudjellal has announced the arrival of French international fly-half François Trinh-Duc for next season.

The 29-year-old, who has 50 caps for les Bleus, has inked a three-year deal with the triple European champions, a move which is likely to mark the end of Frederic Michalak's career with the Top 14 heavyweights.

Trinh-Duc announced on Wednesday that he would be leaving his home town club of Montpellier after 10 years, as he is not attracted by the conservative playing style of new coach Jake White.

Boudjellal revealed on French TV that Toulon had beaten Top 14 rivals Toulouse in the race Trinh-Duc's signature.

33-year-old Michalak's contract expires in June. Australian star Quade Cooper's future in Toulon now also looks less rosy with his one-year deal far from sure to be extended.

Kiwi playmaker Tom Taylor is on loan from Bayonne, while veteran Wallaby Matt Giteau can also play at fly-half.

Meanwhile, Boudjellal also confirmed that French international Guilhem Guirado has signed a three-year contract extension.