Advertisement
Rory Kockott was a thorn in Toulon's side last season. AP/Press Association Images
money for old rope

Castres may owe Toulon €400,000 after Kockott changes mind over move

The Heineken Cup champions had agreed a pre-contract deal with the South African born French international.

FRENCH CHAMPIONS CASTRES’ South African kicker Rory Kockott has told Canal Plus he had changed his mind over a move to European champions Toulon and wished to remain at his present club.

The 27-year-old — the Top14 player of last season after finishing leading points scorer — said that despite signing a pre-contract with Toulon he had decided it was a move not in the best interests of him or his family. What added spice to the remarks was that they came minutes before he took to the pitch in the Top14 clash away with Toulon.

“I’ve finally decided to stay at Castres,” said Kockott, who was roundly booed and jeered when he lined up his first kick in the game which he missed.

“It is always nice to have several offers and I feel very grateful for that but I judged one to be better than the other. It is a decision that will benefit both me and my family.”

Kockott, who masterminded Castres’ 19-14 win over Toulon in last season’s French championship final, had signed the pre-contract with Toulon in October last year, agreeing to a three year contract, although neither party had announced it officially.

Should Kockott indeed remain with Castres, they will be obliged to pay Toulon between a reported €400,000 euros in compensation.

Toulon president Mourad Boudjellal joked about the figure that the club would receive.

“It brings back memories of the wonderful years when I used to go to Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas,” said the comic book mogul. ”However, I never won as much money as this.”

- © AFP, 2014

‘They play for each other. You can’t buy that’ – Grenoble stun Top 14 leaders Clermont

Tomas O’Leary sent off for stamping a Wasp as London Irish cling on

Your Voice
Readers Comments
1
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.