Wallabies scrum-half Jake Gordon will join Toulon as cover during the Rugby World Cup, the French Top 14 club has announced.
Gordon, 30, made the most recent of his 20 Wallabies appearances in November but was overlooked by Eddie Jones for the Rugby Championship.
Earlier this year, Gordon signed a new deal with Rugby Australia until 2025, when the British and Irish Lions tour takes place.
The Waratahs No.9 will arrive on the Cote d’Azur on a temporary basis with Baptiste Serin away with the France set-up preparing for the World Cup, which begins on September 8.
“Jake is an experienced international scrum-half,” Toulon head coach Pierre Mignoni said in a club statement.
“He will bring his leadership, his vision and his physical qualities,” he added.
The Roar earlier reported that Gordon’s Wallabies team-mate Noah Lolesio could also join Toulon on a short-term deal.
Three-time Champions Cup winners Toulon start their Top 14 season on August 19 with the league taking a three-week break during the World Cup held in France after three rounds of domestic games.
Gordon has slipped to fourth in the pecking order with Australia behind Nic White, Tate McDermott and Ryan Lonergan and has accepted his World Cup dream is over.
Johnny Sexton will learn over the coming days if his Rugby World Cup is to be affected by the outcome of his misconduct hearing.
Ireland’s captain had a complaint lodged against him following his behaviour towards match officials in the wake of Leinster’s 27-26 Heineken Champions Cup final defeat by La Rochelle on May 20.
Sexton did not play in the game at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium due to his continuing recovery from a groin injury.
Video Spacer
But he went on to the pitch after the match and became involved in what appeared to be a heated exchange with South African referee Jaco Peyper and other match officials.
The disciplinary hearing that took place on Thursday lasted six hours and the PA news agency understands that the decision is to be communicated to Sexton and Leinster over the coming days before being made public.
Ireland’s opening World Cup warm-up match is against Italy on August 5, followed by appointments later that month with England and Samoa.
Their first World Cup game sees them tackle Romania in Bordeaux on September 9, so a suspension for Sexton – who is to retire after the tournament – has the potential to affect his availability.
The new giant picked for the All Blacks, Tamaiti Williams, could have a career in the NFL according to his Crusaders teammate Codie Taylor.
Williams, who was raised in Perth but returned to his country of birth at 16, is 1.96m tall and weighs 139kg – down 10kg on his starting weight on debut in Super Rugby.
“I don’t think I’ve seen someone with that stature and skillset in the world around his ability to play with the ball, and his explosiveness and footwork for a big man,” Taylor told Stuff.
“I’ve always joked he should go to the NFL and have a crack because he’d go all right, I reckon. It’s been impressive. but that stuff doesn’t just happen. He’s obviously been gifted with good genes, but he’s got a great mum and dad behind him, and he’s had to put in some hard work to get there.”
Williams is set for a debut off the bench against the Springboks on Saturday.
“I had to have a hard look at myself and my fitness,” he told reporters. “I’ve has mentors like [Taylor]. I asked him what I had to do. He said you’ve got to get fit. I had a big off-season, and came in and just wanted to train every day, and get better.
“It’s good being big but if you’re big and can’t get around you can’t do anything. It’s been about getting more involved in the game, and being big. To get my hands on the ball more I’ve had to be fitter.”
Williams described the reactions of his family when he told them of his call up. “I called my parents first. Mum (Natalie) just cried, Dad (Johnny) didn’t say anything. My fiancee cried too. It’s taken time for them to let soak in, but they’re happy.”
”It means a lot [to represent them],” he added. “My uncle is Eric Rush. He was a big mentor for me, especially at school in Auckland. He would text me saying you’ve got to keep pushing for the people in the Far North. It means a lot for my family.”
terrence
Roar Rookie
Probably not big enough for the nfl offensive line..the 2 aussie samoan sensations there, Jordan Mailata and Daniel Faalele are both 6'8" (203cm) and 155/160kg..they can also shift for men their size..
The Ferret
Roar Rookie
So… I lost a lot of money betting on Swinton to be red carded in the Aus A game. So my new bet is that Sexton will be sanctioned in a manner that allows him to play in the WC. Either a slap on the wrist or a back dated suspension that seems serious but because they will back date it to the date of the incident it will not effect Irelands WC run.
Big A
Roar Rookie
yes but the world is all about "show me the money" isn't it ?
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
He's been the most important member of the Tahs team for 3 years but that dominance has never translated to test matches unfortunately. At his age, I'm accepting of the fact he may never be the test player I thought/hoped he would. perhaps a stint in France will improve his game but it feels like a long stint as the Wallaby 9 won't happen for him now.
cs
Roar Guru
Appreciate that oz, against the weight of the crowd. Of all our 9s, I judge him as having the best all-round ability: passing, kicking, tackling, running and vision. Annoys me no end that he apparently threw so much away with his cards in Europe.
Rugbynutter
Roar Rookie
Short term cover so you want them pro ready
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
I agree. We were completely clueless without him at times. Teddy Wilson could be the next big thing but Goddard for sure wasn't.
Good Game
Roar Rookie
I was wondering about that statement as well.
Worlds Biggest
Roar Pro
Very good point mate, it’s a bit of a double edged sword. They keep playing at a high level in Europe or perhaps NPC / Currie Cup, however I’m sure there Shute Shield Clubs would love to have them available and great for local Club Rugby.
piru
Roar Rookie
Not sure what Taylor thinks goes on in the NFL, but really big men with ball skills aren't really a thing
Cadfael
Roar Guru
On today's performance Gordon going to France isn't a problem.
cs
Roar Guru
I stand by my opinion, regardless.
Jed
Roar Rookie
Did you watch the Australia A game ?. No one else shares your view on Gordon as best halfback. Another stinker from him again.
The jackler
Roar Rookie
Sexton ????♂️
Surely a fair bit of talent coming out of the implosion of the English comp too.
cs
Roar Guru
Perhaps it's my Tah bias, but I'd pick Jake as our best half back, we're it not for his terrible bout of ill discipline on tour.
Joffrey
Roar Rookie
“Jake is an experienced international scrum-half,” Toulon head coach Pierre Mignoni said in a club statement. They are getting arguably the 4th maybe 5th or 6th best Aussie scrumhalf who performed below average to horrendous at test level. That is not a big signing. He is not a current Wallaby and will never be a Wallaby again. I`m surprised they didn`t go with a young local scrumhalf who would probably be already better than Jake.
Ankle-tapped Waterboy
Roar Rookie
The passion of Nothlanders for their rugby is matched only by their disappointment in the local team as their best players go to greener pastures. (Tip: don't call them "North Auck.... oops almost). Great to see another Kamo Kid.
Jacko
Roar Rookie
Whilst it great this is happening its very specific to a WC year only Big A. An NRC would do that for 150 players every year.
soapit
Roar Guru
Could play nfl according to his team mate. Ha ha not quite as official as the headline makes out