ENGLAND LOCK EXTENDS TEST EXILE AFTER SNUBBING PREMIERSHIP RETURN TO EXTEND TOP 14 STAY
England lock David Ribbans will be donning an England jersey again anytime soon after signing a new contract extension with Top 14 giants RC Toulon.
The South African-born second-rower made his Test debut for England in 2022 against Japan after qualifying for the Red Rose through his grandfather.
Ribbans took his Test cap tally to 10 after being selected in Steve Borthwick’s Rugby World Cup squad, and following the tournament, he joined Toulon ahead of the 2023/24 season.
David Ribbans extends with Toulon
The 28-year-old initially signed a three-year deal with Toulon, but after making an immediate impact on the side, who he joined from Northampton Saints, the French side have decided to lock in his services long-term.
Ribbans has committed to Toulon until at least the end of the 2027/28 season, adding an additional two years to his current contract.
His decision to re-sign with the club means that he will continue to be ineligible for England selection, with the RFU’s current selection policies restricting head coach Steve Borthwick from selecting players who do not represent a Premiership club.
“I am very happy to extend my contract with Toulon. This club and this city have become a second home for me. I look forward to continuing to give my best to help the team reach new heights,” Ribbans said in a club statement.
He will be joined by fellow England internationals Kyle Sinckler and Lewis Ludlam at Toulon next season with the latter having played alongside the second rower at Northampton Saints.
The club has also signed Munster centre Antoine Frisch, Stade Francais hooker Mickael Ivaldi and Daniel Brennan from Brive.
Meanwhile, Kieran Brookes, Bruce Devaux, Fabio Gonzalez, Jack Singleton, Adrian Warion, Cornell du Preez, Waisea Nayacalevu, Maelan Rabut and Aymeric Luc will all leave the club.
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Sporting director Laurent Emmanuelli added: “David is an exceptional player, both on and off the pitch, he is fully invested in the success of the club.
“His presence is a source of inspiration for his teammates and he perfectly embodies the values of the RCT. We are very happy to be able to continue this adventure together until 2028.”
Ribbans is also set to feature for the Barbarians at Twickenham Stadium next week against Fij if Toulon fails to reach the Top 14 semi-finals.
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2024-06-14T16:57:16Z dg43tfdfdgfd