Toulon bound: Martin Castrogiovanni
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Italian international prop Martin Castrogiovanni has agreed a transfer from Leicester Tigers to Top 14 leaders Toulon.
The 91-Test cap prop, who is regarded as one of the finest tightheads in the world, will finalise his switch to the French side after the two clubs arrange the finer details.
"I have reached an agreement with Toulon but I still have a year on my contract at Leicester," the 31-year-old told ESPN radio.
"The two clubs are in the process of reaching a deal. In theory, all is sorted out. I should sign next week but I cannot say I am a Toulon player nor that I have left Leicester."
Once in Toulon, "Castro" will compete with former All Black prop Carl Hayman for a place in the starting XV.
Castrogiovanni has has won three Premiership titles since arriving at Leicester in 2006.
Comments
lawynd says...
@stumpy - silverware is 'far more likely' in Toulon than it is at Leicester, is it? As far as I'm aware, RCT are also-rans in the Top 14 and European competition, with their last title of any significance in 1992. Leicester have won ten titles in that time, of which Castro was a part of three of them...if anything, Toulon are a step down!
Posted 15:40 05th February 2013
three6three6 says...
With 23 players now in a rugby squad - there are four props - Toulon will have the luxury of rotating four quality props throughout next season. This is a really sensible move in many ways.... and it also weakens the opposition by taking a quality tight head prop away from Leicester. Jenkins should stay on in France and prolong his own career through a rotation policy..... will he be the same player again for Wales? I am not sure... when he is injury free and fully fit he is a very good player.... he is a great ball player.
Posted 14:42 02nd February 2013
pierredelot1 says...
Strange isn't it that as he's a class act and Italian, I don't hear any of the usual goldigger, going for the money, traiter comments. Fair play to him. But no doubt there will be one in and one out. Don't knock Jenkins quite so much guys. He can't be expected to play at the absolute top of his game all the time, its just not physically possible. Despite all the critisism I bet he will still make the Lions squad and do a great job. Can't see the Irish front row besting him this afternoon for a start.
Posted 13:06 02nd February 2013
keste03 says...
@sirtidychris.
Yeah Jenkins is a loosehead, but been covering both - if hes even been on the bench. Cannot believe theyll keep spending money on him and bringing others in as well, but then again you never know in France.
Posted 11:11 02nd February 2013
sirtidychris says...
Don't forget Hayman is 34 this year and week in and out rugby will have taken its toll, Castro will get alot of game time at Toulon and sitting on the bench will be alot nicer in the south of France than Leicester. Don't know if castro's move will affect Jenkins though as castro is a tighthead and jenkins a loosie. If jenkins did move it will be for more game time though as this year has been pretty shocking.
Stumpy in what positions are Toulon weak in ? They are also signing Brian Habana, Michael Claasens and John Smit and are in talks with Carter in case Wilko retires !
Posted 10:28 02nd February 2013
ste490 says...
Uk salary cap needs looking at if the Frenchies are going to keep buying up all the good players.
Posted 08:55 02nd February 2013
Noshonmescrote says...
interesting...
Posted 02:49 02nd February 2013
stumpy says...
Great for Castro playing for a club where silverwear is far more likely, and he has more chance edging Hayman for a place than Dan Cole who is in the form of his life. I question Toulon's benefit, as Im guessing it was costly move, and Toulon have got world class props coming out their ears, so I think they should have used the money to strengthen a position they are weaker on
Posted 22:23 01st February 2013
JamieTheProp says...
So from warming the bench in Leicester to warming the bench in Toulon (but for more money).
Think I would rather go to a lesser team and play every week - but then I guess every player deserves their pension.
Posted 22:17 01st February 2013
keste03 says...
Probably means that G. Jenkinsī sabbatical in France is over. Hope hes earnt a lot at Toulon, cause hes gone from a world class prop to dead wood. A bit like Murray in his last season at Northampton
Posted 21:34 01st February 2013
Lucasrg says...
Basically Castro will leave the Tigers this June.
Tomorrow he will play much more relaxed!
Posted 20:54 01st February 2013