Toulouse captain extends contract

TRANSFER NEWS: Toulouse captain Julien Marchand, currently out injured, has extended his contract by two years through until 2023, the Top 14 leaders announced.

The 24-year-old hooker was not only named skipper at Toulouse this season but also won two France caps.

Marchand tore ligaments in his left knee in France’s opening 24-19 Six Nations defeat by Wales.

The injury saw him ruled out of Toulouse’s march to the head of the Top 14, with the end-of-the-season play-offs yet to come, while he faces a challenge to recover in time for the September 20-November 2 Rugby World Cup.

Agence France-Presse