England international Jack Singleton is on the verge of making a swift move to France’s Top 14, with Toulon reportedly securing him as a medical joker with immediate effect, according to French media outlet L’Equipe.
Despite having extended his contract with Gloucester in May last year, the three-cap hooker has faced challenges in regaining a spot in George Skivington’s selection plans following a severe leg injury in December, necessitating surgery.
Singleton’s first appearance this season came off the bench in Gloucester’s Premiership clash against Saracens, followed by a start in the subsequent week’s match against Sale. However, he has been absent from the lineup since then.
L’Equipe’s report suggests that Toulon is eyeing Singleton as a solution to their current injury woes. With Teddy Baubigny nursing a fractured hand and Anthony Etrillard dealing with an ongoing Achilles tendon injury, Toulon finds itself in need of reinforcement.
Manager Pierre Mignoni emphasized Toulon’s discerning approach to recruitment, stating, “We’re not going to take someone for the sake of taking someone.” He added, “In haste, mistakes can be made. If we have a good opportunity, we will take it; otherwise, we will do nothing.”
Singleton joined Gloucester for the restart of the 2019/20 campaign in August 2020 and quickly established himself as their primary hooker, making 19 starts in 21 Premiership appearances during the 2021/22 season. He continued with 10 appearances in the following term before his injury setback. If the move to Toulon materializes, it will mark a new chapter in Singleton’s career, taking him to the elite competition of the Top 14.