Kolbe the latest to consider his future

HEADING into the business end of France’s Top 14 season, more than on-pitch matters remain up in the air - quite a few big name players are heading into the closing weeks of the season with their futures still in doubt.

Toulouse and La Rochelle – with dual Champions Cup and Top 14 challenges very much in mind – came into the weekend with a little breathing space at the top of the table. Beneath them, no fewer than eight sides had – admittedly decreasingly realistic – hopes of finishing in the top six. And while Brive’s survival chances appear increasingly slim, another four sides hit the final five-match straight very much in the grip of the relegation play-off singularity.

Players, as well as clubs have their futures in mind. Cheslin Kolbe is the big name on the market in France. He is contracted to Toulon until 2024, but reports have resurfaced this week that he is ready to activate a clause in his contract to leave for a lucrative stint in Japan. He’s denied them once, and publicly insisted he will see out his deal. But L’Equipe insisted a deal was on the table and was being seriously considered.

Toulon, meanwhile, appear set to offer Mathieu Bastareaud a new one-year deal, following his comeback from injury – and Lyon – at the start of this season. More experience is set to stay, with Raphaël Lakafia likely to be offered an extended contract. Sergio Parisse, meanwhile, seems certain to move into a role on the coaching staff. But hyperactive back three player Gervais Cordin appears surplus to requirements.

Toulon overcame a slow start at home to 13th-placed Perpignan on Saturday afternoon to pick up a 3715 bonus-point win to consolidate their position in the top six.

George Tilsley and Patricio Fernandez are among those out of contract at Perpignan at the end of the season. Other players, too, may leave if they fail to stay up. As it stands the Catalans are in the relegation play-off place.