Habana joins Toulon

Springbok and Western Stormers wing Bryan Habana confirmed he would join French club Toulon after the 2013 Super 15 season.

Springbok and Western Stormers wing Bryan Habana confirmed he would join French club Toulon after the 2013 Super 15 season.

Published Jan 11, 2013

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Johannesburg – Springbok and Western Stormers wing Bryan Habana confirmed Friday he would join French club Toulon after the 2013 Super 15 season.

A statement from the 29-year-old star who won the 2012 IRB Try of the Season award ended months of speculation about his future as he sought to cash in on the much higher salaries offered in Europe.

Habana helped the Springboks win the 2007 Rugby World Cup, and after a slump in form that left many pundits demanding he be axed from the natoinal squad, the left wing bounced last year to be voted South African Player of the Year.

“It is a wrench to leave my country but the chance to test myself against different opposition in a new environment was difficult to turn down,” Habana said.

“Toulon have an incredible pedigree and some phenomenal players and working with everyone there is going to help improve my game and, hopefully, I can bring something new to the team as well.”

Habana has signed a three-year contract, beginning with the 2013-2014 French Top 14 season, and among his Toulon team-mates will be former Springbok lock Bakkies Botha. – Sapa-AFP

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