Mourad Boudjellal has been watching the World Cup closely and has an itchy transfer finger.
The Toulon owner has already secured the services of Ma’a Nonu, Paul O’Connell and Duane Vermeulen for the next couple of seasons – and it seems that he’s not finished yet.
Boudjellal also appears to have worked out an agreement with Quade Cooper that will see the Australian out-half released for Sevens competitions ahead of Rio 2016.
The billionaire had set his sights on Israel Folau, Cooper’s teammate, but has been rebuffed by the Australian Rugby Union.
However, there may be a handy fall-back option to illuminate Toulon’s backline for the next six months.
Midi Olympique are reporting that Boudjellal is in talks with the New Zealand Rugby Union about securing a temporary release for winger Julian Savea.
The All Blacks star has scored a record-equalling eight tries in the tournament and has surpassed the great Jonah Lomu in the New Zealand try-scoring charts.
Savea is contracted with the NZRU until the 2019 World Cup but the Toulon owner has received encouraging news that there may be a brief opening to bring the 25-year-old in.
The European champions may be able to take Savea in on a six-month contract. It would see him miss the bulk of the 2016 Super Rugby season but return in good time for The Rugby Championship.
But wit the likes of Savea’s World Cup final opponents Matt Giteau and Drew Mitchell already in the squad, they hardly need need the reinforcements.
