Get Newsletter

Toulon not for sale

The 56-year-old colourful comics publisher had said in September he was looking at selling the three-time European champions.

ADVERTISEMENT

"I've decided not to continue with the project to sell Toulon," Boudjellal told reporters.

"I took the decision to stay last weekend,"

In October, film producer Gerard Barba and lawyer Lucien Simon had been in advanced talks over a possible 10 million euro ($10.4 million) acquisition.

When announcing his desire to sell the club in September, Boudjellal had complained about heavy criticism of his tenure.

He said he wanted "another life" and wondered why he put up with taking "hits every week".

The larger than life Boudjellal has been almost as present in newspaper columns and television reports as his team following some outrageous comments.

ADVERTISEMENT

In 2012 he was given a 130-day ban by the French League after describing a defeat to Clermont as "sodomy".

He has presided over the most successful period in Toulon's history since buying the club in 2007, winning the second division title in his first season.

They won the European title three years in a row from 2013-2015, claimed French Top 14 honours in 2014 and also lost two Top 14 and two European Challenge Cup finals in that period.

Their success was built upon a policy of high-profile acquisitions including former All Blacks captain Tana Umaga, England legend Jonny Wilkinson, former Australia back-row forward George Smith, South Africans Bakkies Botha, Victor Matfield and Bryan Habana, and New Zealand internationals Sonny Bill Williams, Ma'a Nonu and Ali Williams.

ADVERTISEMENT

Agence France-Presse

Join free

Boks Office | Episode 39 | The Investec Champions Cup is back

Argentina v France | HSBC SVNS Hong Kong 2025 | Men's Match Highlights

New Zealand v Australia | HSBC SVNS Hong Kong 2025 | Women's Match Highlights

Tokyo Sungoliath vs Shizuoka BlueRevs | Japan Rugby League One 2024/25 | Full Match Replay

Reds vs Force | Super Rugby W 2025 | Full Match Replay

The Rise of Kenya | The Report

New Zealand in Hong Kong | Brady Rush | Sevens Wonders | Episode 4

The Fixture: How This Rugby Rivalry Has Lasted 59 Years

Write A Comment