France and Toulouse star Francois Cros set to join Top 14 rivals

France flanker Francois Cros is reportedly set to leave Toulouse after the 2027 Rugby World Cup and join Top 14 rivals Lyon on a three-year deal, according to French outlet Midi Olympique.

The 32-year-old has agreed terms with Lyon after weeks of speculation over his future, with Montpellier also understood to have been in the running. Lyon moved early for the 44-cap international before Montpellier intensified their interest, but the former have now won the race.

The move would bring an end to Cros’ long association with Toulouse, the only professional club he has represented. The flanker came through the club’s academy after joining in 2009 and has since developed into one of Ugo Mola’s most trusted forwards.

Cros has featured prominently throughout Toulouse’s recent period of dominance and started all eight finals the club have won since 2019, including the recent 28-20 victory over Montpellier at the Stade de France at the end of last season.

His expected departure follows another major transfer involving Toulouse, with Thomas Ramos already set to leave for Racing 92 at the end of the 2026/27 campaign. Together, the two exits would represent a significant reshaping of a squad built around a core of established France internationals.

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Top 14

Stade Rochelais

12:05

6 Sep 26

Toulouse

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Cros’ contract is due to expire in June 2027, and Toulouse had reportedly hoped to keep him. However, salary-cap pressures, coupled with an anticipated reduction in financial support linked to French internationals, have complicated renewal talks with several senior players.

For Cros, the opportunity to secure a final long-term contract on improved terms appears to have been decisive. Should the move be completed as reported, he will head to Lyon after the World Cup in Australia, giving the ambitious Top 14 club another proven international forward for both domestic and European competition.

Toulouse get their title defence underway with a trip to take on Ronan O’Gara’s La Rochelle on September 6.