Top 14
Botha confirms Toulon switch
ESPNscrum Staff
March 7, 2011
Bulls lock Bakkies Botha takes the attack to the Crusaders, Bulls v Crusaders, Super 14, Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria, South Africa, May 7, 2010
Botha has reportedly put pen to paper on a three-year deal with Top 14 club Toulon © Getty Images
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Toulon have confirmed the signing of South Africa lock Bakkies Botha on a three-year deal.

The 31-year-old World Cup winner has signed a three-year deal that will see him link up with the big-spending Top 14 club after this year's Rugby World Cup. Toulon president Mourad Boudjellal told regional newspaper La Provence that Botha, "is perfectly fitting Toulon's criteria, which means that he is a high-power lock."

The Springboks veteran, who has 72 caps, has won both the Super Rugby title and the Currie Cup with the Bulls was previously targeted by Toulon in 2009 but the French club were thwarted due to his existing with contract.

The deal is worth a reported 700,000 euros (£589,000) a year and will see Botha follow in the footsteps of long-time second row partner Victor Matfield who had a spell with the club during the 2007-08 season.

Australian star Matt Giteau also recently signed a three-year deal to join the club after the World Cup and both will join a star-studded squad that already includes England fly-half Jonny Wilkinson, Wales international Gavin Henson and Argentina playmaker Felipe Contepomi.

Toulon are currently eighth in the Top 14 table and struggling to secure a place in this season's play-offs but have a Heineken Cup quarter-final date with Perpignan next month.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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