Kyle Sinckler to join England exodus to France after signing for Toulon... with Bristol prop set to end his international career by following Owen Farrell and Manu Tuilagi in TOP14

Kyle Sinckler will become the latest England star to bring an end to his international career after the Bristol prop’s move to French giants Toulon was officially confirmed.

A host of English Test stars including Jack Willis, Henry Arundell, Jack Nowell and Joe Marchant are already playing their club rugby in France’s TOP14. Owen Farrell, Manu Tuilagi, Sinckler and Lewis Ludlam will all join them next season. 

English rugby’s controversial selection rule means that to represent Steve Borthwick’s national side you cannot play for a club abroad and must be employed by one of the 10 Gallagher Premiership sides.

Sinckler and Ludlam will both be Toulon players for next season.

‘I want to personally thank the Bristol community, the Lansdown family, Chris Booy, Pat Lam and all the support staff for my time at Bristol. Four years has flown by,’ Sinckler said.

‘I have had some difficult times and it probably took me longer to adjust than I would have liked, but I’m eternally grateful for the continued support the club and the fans have always shown me.

‘I’m honoured to have played for a club that has such a close bond with the community.

‘We have experienced some huge success – winning the Challenge Cup, finishing top of the Premiership, and reaching the play-off semi-finals two years consecutively.

‘My focus remains on finishing the season strong with Bristol. We have five huge games left of the regular season in which I’m fully committed to delivering my best performances for the club.’ 

Sinckler, 30, won the most recent of his 68 England caps at the World Cup in France last autumn but he now looks unlikely to add to that tally.

Ludlam will link up with his former Northampton team-mates Dan Biggar and Dave Ribbans when he joins Sinckler at Toulon.

‘They are two good signings who will complete our forward pack for many years,’ Toulon club president Bernard Lemaitre told AFP of his team’s signing of Ludlam and Sinckler.

‘They respond to the profiles we're looking for in our recruitment.

‘We're trying to have higher expectations on mentality, behaviour and lifestyle of players.’

Sinckler joined Bristol from Harlequins in 2020 and has made 55 appearances for the Bears to date.

He has struggled with injury in his time at Ashton Gate and his status as an England international has meant he has often been away from the club for long periods.

Bristol director of rugby Lam, said: ‘Kyle has been a big part of our Bears journey on and off the field during his four seasons here.

‘He has dealt with his fair share of setbacks along the way and I believe he is playing his best rugby which is a testament to his resilience and determination.

‘Like everyone’s journey, there will always be a time it comes to an end. I know Kyle is desperate to finish his time at the Bears on a high and continue his impressive form until the end of the season.’