Springbok winger Bryan Habana is unlikely to join up with England’s most famous player Jonny Wilkinson at Toulon, according to the club’s president Mourad Boudjellal.
Habana is nearing the end of his contract with the Super 14 side the Bulls, is currently on holiday in Toulon and met up with Boudjellal and Les Varois’ director of rugby Philippe Saint-Andre yesterday.
Habana recently spoke of his interest in moving to France in order to play in the Top 14 but the winger may be too expensive for Toulon who are known for spending big bucks on foreign players.
Boudjellal was forced to admit, “We haven’t got a bottomless pit of money.”
He told radio station RMC: “There is nothing concrete. Interest is one thing, reality is another.”
“He is a very expensive player.
“We will not go beyond our limits. With our salary mass, we don’t figure among the richest clubs.”
“Others have a lot more than us. We are anything but favourites (to sign Habana).”
Habana was named IRB player of the year in 2007 but has not seen the same form since that time. He did score a try for South Africa in the second Test against the British and Irish Lions at his home stadium of Loftus Versfeld.
Many South African players are planning to leave South Africa now that the Lions tour is over and Habana is no different and has spoken of his desire to play in France as the United Kingdom’s weather does not interest him.
“Bayonne, Toulouse and Stade Francais have approached me but I am giving myself two weeks to reflect,” he is quoted as telling L’Equipe.
“Staying in South Africa is also tempting me. Whatever happens, I will not go to England or Wales because of the weather.”
