98-cap international confirmed as Huw Jones' centre partner in waiting

Gael Fickou’s transfer from Racing 92 to Toulon has finally been confirmed, two months after the move was first reported in the French press.

Speaking for the first time about his decision to leave Paris a year before his contract expired, Fickou told TV station Canal+ he was ready for a fresh start.

“I’d been feeling for a while that my vision of the game wasn’t aligned with what we were producing (at Racing 92). I mainly thought I needed a change of scenery to give myself a boost, to rediscover my passion. I got the opportunity because Pierre (Mignoni) called me and told me he absolutely wanted me to come,” he said.

With 98 caps, Fickou is Les Bleus’ most-capped current player, but he was overlooked for this year’s Six Nations win.

And while this weekend’s Top 14 play-off clash with Pau is his first priority, the former Toulouse and Stade Français man wants to get back into the Test arena and reach his century.

“The World Cup is what motivates me right now,” he said.

The signing of the 32-year-old has been welcomed by Toulon president Bernard Lemaître, who is excited about seeing Fickou in a midfield partnership with Lions and Scotland international Huw Jones.

He told L’Equipe: “Training is great. We feel like we’re ready. But then, in a match, things are different … That’s why we’re strengthening our centre position with players like Gaël Fickou and the Scot Huw Jones, who will bring a lot to the team, in addition to young players like Oliver Cowie, from whom we have high hopes.”