Toulon-bound Kyle Sinckler hints his England career is far from over

England are set to lose some of their best-ever players at the end of the season with the mass departure to France, but Kyle Sinckler is one who has not closed the door on his Test career just yet.

The tighthead prop has signed a three-year deal with Toulon, alongside England teammate Lewis Ludlam, ahead of next season. To many, it appeared this move was bringing Sinckler’s England career to an abrupt end at the age of 31 and with 68 caps to his name. But he has other ideas.

Following his final match for Bristol Bears on Saturday before his move to the Top 14, Sinckler emphasised that he is making this move with the intention of improving his game and coming back a better player rather than taking the next step towards retirement.

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Speaking to Topsy Ojo for ITV Rugby after the 53-28 win over his former side Harlequins at the Stoop, the 121kg forward mentioned his return in 2027, which would coincide with the next World Cup campaign.

The move comes off the back of a season where Bristol came close to making a remarkable late surge into the Gallagher Premiership’s top four, but narrowly missed out due to Sale Sharks’ victory over Saracens. Sinckler said how this season has been his most enjoyable in years, and hopes the move to France will continue to help him rekindle his love of the game.

“This last half of the season has probably been, for me, the most enjoyable since maybe 2019,” he said.

“I just want to get that love back for the game and get back to my best, which is just playing what I see, instinctive rugby. I know when I’m on my game and I’m playing my game, there aren’t many that come close.

“The decision for me to go to France was I want to test myself against the best and the biggest in the scrum, and you’re going to get that week-in, week-out in the Top 14.

“It’s just been a lot of trial and error with me as well. I’ve been very grateful for the coaches that I’ve had at Quins and the coaches I’ve had at Bristol. I hold my hand up, I haven’t been the easiest of players, but I think in terms of my maturity, it’s about accepting it and taking full responsibility.

“I’ve probably been my own worst enemy and now I’m coming into the peak of my career, like they say with props, you age like a fine wine, so I’ll be learning my trade, testing myself against the best week-in, week-out for the next three years, then I’ll come back in 2027 and I’ll be ready to go.”

Though Sinckler will be ineligible for England for the next three years, his Test return may come sooner than 2027 as he will surely harbour hopes of making a third straight British & Irish Lions tour next summer.

🗣️ “I want to test myself against the best and the biggest in the scrum.” 💪

Wishing Kyle Sinckler all the best as he departs for Toulon ❤️🇫🇷#ITVRugby | @BristolBears | @premrugby | @topsy_ojo pic.twitter.com/zS5QfuA0MI

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— ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) May 19, 2024