Huw Jones: Leaving Glasgow 'a difficult decision, but also an easy decision'

Huw Jones has admitted that leaving Glasgow was a wrench but says the history and stature of Toulon made it an ultimately straightforward call.

The Scotland centre visited his new club ahead of his move to the Top 14 giants next season, and came away with his decision firmly vindicated.

“Really cool to be here,” Jones told the club website. “This is my first time visiting Toulon. Got to have a look around at the town and see the campus. The facility is amazing.”

Jones has been one of the standout centres in the URC over the past several seasons, and his departure from Scotstoun will be keenly felt. But the 32-year-old British & Irish Lion says the pull of Toulon was simply too strong to resist.

“Things are going really well at Glasgow at the moment. We’ve got a strong squad. We won the league two years ago. It was a difficult decision, but it was also an easy decision in a way because of the history that Toulon has, the kind of club it is. I’ve always wanted to play for a club like Toulon. But yeah, it didn’t take me long to be convinced.”

Jones will link up at Toulon with Scotland teammate Ben White, and the scrum-half played no small part in helping him make up his mind.

“I had a few conversations with him when Toulon first got in contact with me, but again, I think he just had to sort of describe his lifestyle down here, how the club is, how it works. And the fans, the atmosphere at the stadium. He told me all about that, but it was an easy decision.”

Jones arrives in the south of France with a clear-eyed understanding of what awaits him. He has faced Toulon twice in European competition: winning one, losing one; and has no illusions about the demands of the Top 14.

“I know a lot about the history of Toulon, having watched a lot of rugby growing up, seeing Toulon win championships. So I know all about that. I’ve played Toulon twice, won one, lost one. Yeah, we know how tough a team Toulon is. But yeah, it just makes me excited to join next season.”

He is equally clear-eyed about the challenge of French club rugby more broadly.

“I’ve heard from the coaches and some of the players that it’s a tough competition to play in. It’s a long season. There’s no easy games at all. Every week is difficult. So I’m fully prepared for that. I’m really excited for it. I think it’ll be a new challenge for me. It’ll be a really big challenge, but one that I’m keen for. Yeah, lots of big players around. Very physical game. So I pride myself on my physicality as well. So it’s something I’m looking forward to.”

Jones has never played at Stade Félix Mayol, but has heard enough from White and former Glasgow teammates to know what to expect.

“No, I’ve never played down here. Glasgow did come down here a couple of times, I think maybe last season, and my teammates said that it was an amazing atmosphere to be part of. Obviously spoken to Ben [White], he loved playing down here. The town, the supporters, there’s a really special feeling. And especially when you win, it’s amazing. So yeah, he told me all about that and I’m really looking forward to experiencing that.”

His ambitions for the move are straightforward: integrate quickly, learn the language, and win.

“The biggest thing is to come here, try and hit the ground running. I want to be speaking French, just sort of fit in with the team. Learn the play style as quickly as possible and just be successful with the team on the field. Look, I’m really excited. I can’t wait to join next season and see you soon.”