Etzebeth for Bakkies in France?

 

Toulon's eccentric and big spending owner Mourad Boudjellal has never been shy when aiming for the biggest stars in world rugby.

 

Toulon has in their ranks the likes of Springbok legends Botha, Juan Smith and Bryan Habana along side All Blacks Ali Williams and Chris Masoe, Wallabies Matt Giteau, James O'Connor and Drew Mitchell; not to mention some of the Northern Hemisphere's biggest stars like Steffon Armitage, Mathieu Bastareaud and Martin Castrogiovanni to name a few.

 

Springbok Botha is set to retire at the end of the French season, although there is speculation that he may extend his contract to provide cover with the international exodus expected around the World Cup.

 

Etzebeth, 23-years-old and currently at Super Rugby side the Stormers, is in line to take Botha's jersey according to French newspaper Van Martin.

 

It has been reported that Etzebeth has already engaged in talks with Toulon.