Toulon issue snarky statement after 6'7, 124kg rookie defects from club

Rugby Club Toulonnais have issued a pointed statement confirming the departure of academy product Thomas Adelaïde, who has walked away despite what the club describe as earlier assurances of loyalty.

Adelaïde had been on loan at Colomiers this season but was expected to return to Toulon after what RCT described as months of positive discussions involving the player and his agent. Instead, the 6’7, 124kg second-row has now opted for a permanent exit.

Toulon said the player’s new club will pay training compensation, funds the Top 14 side insist will be reinvested in recruiting a “fully committed” replacement eager to wear the red and black.

The full statement reads: “Rugby Club Toulonnais is today able to confirm the departure of Thomas Adelaïde, who was on loan this season to the Colomiers club.

“Having come through the club’s youth system, Thomas has benefited from Toulon’s support for several years, with a shared commitment to fostering his progress and development at the highest level. A few months ago, in consultation between the player, his agent, and the club, it was decided that a loan would be beneficial, allowing him to continue his development and return stronger in the red and black jersey.

“Throughout the season, as part of his individual monitoring, Thomas repeatedly confirmed, during discussions conducted in the presence of his agent Antoine Ratinaud, his attachment to Rugby Club Toulonnais and his desire to continue the adventure within the club.

“While RCT was actively working to organize his return in the best possible sporting conditions, the player finally expressed a change of position regarding his future.

“Rugby Club Toulonnais acknowledges this decision. The club signing Thomas Adelaïde will pay training compensation, which will allow RCT to strengthen its squad with a fully committed player eager to wear the red and black jersey with pride.

“Rugby Club Toulonnais wishes Thomas Adelaïde all the best for the future of his professional career.”

He’s not first lock to leave a Top 14 club in the last few days. Former Saracens and England U20s second-row Joel Kpoku has left Pau mid-season by mutual agreement.