Gethin Jenkins playing for Toulon against his former side © PA Photos

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Teams: Cardiff Blues | France | Toulon | Wales

Toulon team manager Tom Whitford has denied rumours that Gethin Jenkins will leave the Top 14 club at the end of the season and return back to Wales.

Jenkins has seen his first-team opportunities at the Top 14 big spenders limited due to the rejuvenated form of Andrew Sheridan and has been linked in the press with a return back to the Blues. He is currently a year into his two-year deal with Bernard Laporte's side and would have to come to an agreement with the Toulon hierarchy if he wanted to prematurely call time on his career in France.

The 32-year-old found his involvement in Wales' autumn series limited to just two starts out of their four Tests and with the Welsh hierarchy favouring picking those playing in the regions, partly on account of their availability due to an agreement between the Welsh Rugby Union and the four regions, Jenkins was rumoured to be keen on a move back to Wales.

But Whitford has rubbished the claims, telling the BBC: "We're very happy with Gethin… he's playing well and as far as I'm aware Gethin's happy as well.

"He played against Sale at the weekend and had a good game as well so as far as we're aware… there's no reason why he'd want to leave us at the end of the season. He's under contract for next season so all being good he'll be here next year with us as well.

"He'd obviously like to play a bit more, but I think it takes a bit of time to adapt to playing in France sometimes. It's not just him. Two years ago Carl Hayman, when he first arrived, took a few months to adapt to playing in a French club in the French championship, hence why Gethin is taking a bit of time as well, perhaps.

"And with a bit of luck he'll keep going and keep playing well and his chance will come to play even more games, as Carl Hayman has done."