Liebenberg heading for Toulon

Stormers and Western Province hooker Tiaan Liebenberg has secured an early release from his contract in order to join French Top 14 side Toulon.

Stormers and Western Province hooker Tiaan Liebenberg has secured an early release from his contract in order to join French Top 14 side Toulon.

WP Rugby Ltd confirmed that the 26-year-old had been released early in order to pursue his rugby career in France.

Liebenberg was in top form during the 2008 Super 14 before seeing his season prematurely ended with a knee injury. Since then he has struggled to regain his starting berth from Schalk Brits.

He will join a host of world class players at Toulon, who have just been promoted to France's top flight.

“I am very grateful to WP Rugby for allowing me this opportunity,” Liebenberg said.

“Playing here has been of enormous benefit to me and I believe that both Western Province and Stormers teams are on the brink of even greater success.

“Whilst sad to be leaving, I am excited about the opportunity to broaden my rugby playing experience. It is a chance I did not want to miss. One never knows what the future holds and maybe I will be back some day.”

The move comes as something of a surprise after Liebenberg himself rubbished reports linking him with Toulon less than a week ago.

Rob Wagner, WP Rugby Ltd Managing Director, said he was happy to release Liebenberg from his contract.

“Tiaan's contract with WP Rugby was until 31 October 2008,” he revealed.

“However he received an excellent offer from Toulon that he really wanted to take up. He has been an asset to Western Province and the Stormers and we are obviously sad to see him go. We wish him well with his rugby future.”