Top 14 chief’s first words as sensational François Cros signing confirmed
François Cros will leave Toulouse at the end of the 2026/27 season
Lyon president Marc-Antoine Ginon feels his side’s signing of François Cros is a statement of intent, signalling it as ‘a great source of pride’ for the Top 14 club.
The 32-year-old Toulouse forward will join up with Lyon next season, joining the club on a three-year deal. It follows heavy speculation over his future in recent days.
Cros has spent the entirety of his professional career with Les Rouge et Noir, making 204 appearances at the time of writing.
Lyon chief’s first words as sensational François Cros signing confirmed
“It is with great pleasure that we announce the arrival of François Cros starting July 1, 2027,” a Lyon club statement read. “The Toulouse back-rower and French international will join Lyon for three seasons, through to 2030.
“Welcome to the land of the ‘Gones,’ François!”
The arrival of Cros is certainly a major coup for Lyon for 2027 and beyond, as they look to climb up the Top 14 table in the near future. In his time in the Pink City, Cros helped Toulouse win helping the club win five Top 14 titles and two Investec Champions Cups, featuring in all seven finals in the process.
He has also become a key cog in the France pack under Fabien Galthie, an era where Les Bleus have won three Six Nations titles, one of which was a Grand Slam.
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“It is a great source of pride for the club to welcome François Cros,” added Lyon president Ginon. “This reinforces the idea that we have everything we need to succeed at the club, from our human and sporting expertise to our high-quality infrastructure.
“François will undoubtedly contribute to this positive momentum within the Lyon group, starting in July 2027. The entire club welcomes him.”
Also commenting, Lyon head coach Karim Ghezal said: “I had the privilege of coaching François for four years with the French national team. He will bring us his professionalism and winning mentality.
“He is a very humble player, despite having won every final he has played in, both for his club and for the French national team. He will help our club reach new levels and also help our young players develop.”
In signing for Lyon, Cros becomes the latest high-profile exit from reigning Top 14 champions Toulouse, with Thomas Ramos headed to Racing 92 at the end of the season.