Toulon want to tempt Jonathan Joseph to leave The Rec
BATH, ENGLAND - MAY 01: Jonathan Joseph of Bath looks dejected after the European Rugby Challenge Cup match between Bath Rugby and Montpellier at Recreation Ground on May 01, 2021 in Bath, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
TOULON have opened talks with England centre Jonathan Joseph about leaving Bath and moving to the Cote d'Azur this summer.
Derby-born Joseph, 29, selected for British Lions in 2017, won the last of his 54 England caps against Wales in Llanelli last November.
Bath are already losing highly-rated No.8 Zach Mercer to Montpellier, and now Joseph, who picked up a two-week suspension for breaking Covid rules earlier this year, could follow.
Earlier in the season Joseph was tipped to quit The Rec that has been his home since he followed Toby Booth and Neal Hatley from London Irish eight years ago.
He is closing in on 150 appearances in the Premiership, but Toulon are keen to add him to their squad, a move that would end any prospects of an England recall.
Toulon want to strengthen their squad as they look to close the gap on the leading two in the Top 14, Toulouse and La Rochelle, who will contest the Champions Cup final on May 22.
They want another wide man alongside Fijian flyer Masivesi Dakuwaqa who is moving to the GGL Stadium next season.
Joseph, who penned a new deal with Bath in January 2019, is weighing up his options, but Toulon are keen to get an answer so they can move onto other targets.
There were whispers of a potential return to London Irish, but they have never been confirmed, but Blindside's French sources say the Toulon interest is very real.
BY NEIL FISSLER
