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Toulon statement: The immediate effect signing of Jack Singleton
By Liam Heagney
French title chasers Toulon have snapped up the services of Jack Singleton, the England and Gloucester hooker, for the remainder of the 2023/24 campaign.
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Despite signing a contract extension with Gloucester last May, the three-cap hooker hasn’t been able to force his way back into George Skivington’s selection plans following last year’s serious leg injury that required surgery.
Singleton made his first appearance of the season off the bench last month in Gloucester’s home Gallagher Premiership hammering by Saracens and he then started the following week’s loss at Sale. However, he hasn’t made the cut since then and Skivington has now agreed to loan the hooker to Toulon for the rest of the current season.
A statement read: “Rugby Club Toulonnais are delighted to announce the signing of Jack Singleton as a medical joker, strengthening its ranks at hooker for the remainder of the season. The arrival of the England international makes up for the various absences.
“Jack has forged his reputation through his performances across the Channel, including Worcester, Saracens and Gloucester, leading him to the XV of the Rose. Thus, the England international brings with him his international experience, but also his rugby and athletic qualities. Known for his power and agility, the English hooker shows versatility in different game situations.
????? ?
L'international anglais, @JackSingleton14, s'est engagé avec le Rugby Club Toulonnais en tant que joker médical ?
Un nouvel anglais débarque sur la Rade ??
— RCT – RC Toulon (@RCTofficiel) November 29, 2023
“Jack could make his first appearance as early as Saturday at the Stade Mayol for the round nine Top 14 match against Section Paloise.”
Toulon sporting director Laurent Emmanuelli said: “Jack has a very good playing technique, in scrum, lineout and as a tackler. His precision and composure are undeniable assets in this position. Beyond his intrinsic qualities, he can easily demonstrate leadership on the field.”
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A Gloucester statement added: “Jack Singleton will head to the Mediterranean coast with immediate effect, returning to the Cherry and Whites ahead of the 2024/25 season.
“The 27-year-old hooker makes his way to France following a difficult year for him, having suffered a significant leg injury playing against Northampton Saints last season. He has spent the best part of 12 months diligently rehabbing with the Gloucester medical team.
“Jack has worked incredibly hard to return to full fitness following a nasty injury last season,” said Gloucester boss Skivington. “When this opening came up, we felt that it would be a good opportunity for Jack to get some regular rugby under his belt to help him get back to the levels we saw from him before his injury.
“With the injuries we had last season at hooker, we obviously brought in George McGuigan to support Santi Socino, and then we had Seb Blake impressively step up from the academy, so we feel that hooker remains a strong position for us. We wish Jack all the best in Toulon and we are looking forward to having him back with us in the summer.”
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The writer here ignores the fact that, following on from not taking the penalty kick, the All Blacks did manage to score a try a few minutes later. Not directly from the penalty awarded, but it is speculation to say that had they opted to take the koi they would have won. Even if they kicked it, which was no guarantee, they would still be trailing and would have had to start again at half-way.
Go to commentsI would be surprised if Sales Opoku Fordjour and Northampton’s Tommy Freeman are not in the team, Anthony Watson is also one that could go on the wing. One thing I must say is that the front 3 will get destroyed against a team like South Africa.
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