Ex-Wallaroos captain Hamilton signs on with Élite 1's Toulon

Former Wallaroos skipper Grace Hamilton has signed for AXA Élite 1 club Rugby Club Toulon Provence Méditerranée ahead of the 2026/27 season.

The 34-year-old back-row forward, who represented Australia at Women’s Rugby World Cup 2017 and 2021, joins the French club after a year with SG Valley RFC in Hong Kong China.

Hamilton has also represented the ACT Brumbies, NSW Waratahs and Melbourne Rebels in Super Rugby Women’s, as well as the Sydney Roosters and St George Illawarra Dragons in NRLW. She also enjoyed a previous spell in Élite 1 with Montpellier in 2023/24.

Toulon placed ninth last season in the French top flight and have already made a splash in the transfer market this summer with the recruitment of highly-talented South Africa back Jakkie Cilliers.

Upon Cilliers’ signing for Toulon the club’s head coach, Stéphane Beyt-Gamonet, described the 25-year-old as a “female Handré Pollard” thanks to her kicking ability in the Springbok Women backline.

Elsewhere in Élite 1, four-peat champions Stade Bordelais have recruited Canada hooker Taylor McKnight. The hooker, who has won two caps for her country, was selected for Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 but did not make an appearance as the North Americans finished as runners-up in England.

McKnight said: “[I am] thrilled to be joining les Lionnes next season and adding a little more Canadian flair to an already awesome group! Can’t wait for this new adventure and to get to work.”

Stade Bordelais have also announced the recruitment of France internationals Lilou Graciet and Yllana Brosseau, as well as 18-year-old Stade Rochelais wing Tonie Fiorese, who scored 11 tries last season in Élite 2.

Beaten finalists ASM Romagnat have also confirmed a flurry of new recruits. This includes Italy international duo Aura Muzzo and Alissa Ranuccini. Canadian pair Anne-Sophie Carreau and recent Test cap Corinne Frechette both join from Université Laval in their native Quebec.