Bok hooker off to Toulon
South Africa hooker Craig Burden has been signed by European champions Toulon as cover for the injured Sebastien Bruno.
The 28-year-old uncapped Springbok, who has played at the Sharks since 2006, could make his debut in the European Cup next weekend.
Bruno, 39, hasn't played since September 14 when he featured in the Top 14 game against Castres.
Burden has been used mostly off the bench by the Sharks this season, starting in just two games, but hasn't featured in their Currie Cup squad since their Round Five loss to Western Province.
Burden is still uncapped at Test level, but was part of the Springbok squad in 2012 – following injuries to Bismarck du Plessis and Chiliboy Ralepelle.
He went on a one-week trial with Toulon last month and has now been signed by the French giants.
* Meanwhile Jonny Wilkinson will undergo tests to see whether or not he suffered any nerve damage in his right thumb during Sunday's 51-28 Heineken Cup win over Glasgow.
The Toulon flyhalf was replaced in the 28th minute of the match with a cut to his thumb which required a number of stitches.
The 34-year-old is set to retire at the end of this season, his fifth with the current European champions having spent 12 years with Newcastle Falcons before that.
AFP & rugby365
