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Rabah Slimani headed to door at Leinster
By Ian Cameron
Leinster tighthead Rabah Slimani is set to leave the reigning URC champs at the end of the season and return to France, according to a report in Midi Olympique.
The French publication claims that Slimani has agreed terms on a one-year deal with RC Toulon with the option of a second season. The 5’10, 124kg No.3 is out of contract with Leinster this summer.
Slimani (36) has enjoyed a relatively productive spell in Dublin since arriving from Clermont in 2024, becoming a trusted part of Leinster’s rotation across both the URC and the Investec Champions Cup.
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He has made six appearances so far this campaign and no fewer than 26 last season, 15 as a starter.
His Test experience has seen him regularly used by Leo Cullen and Jacques Nienaber – although in truth his scrummaging hadn’t always lived up to its fearsome reputation.
Leinster were understood to be open to retaining the former France international, who won 59 caps during an international career that spanned more than a decade. However, Midi Olympique reports that Slimani had a number of options in his home country and has now opted for a return to the Top 14.
According to the report Lyon were monitoring his situation, while Pro D2 side Provence Rugby were also said to be interested. Toulon have moved quickest though, with Slimani reportedly accepting their offer.
Slimani will join a well-stocked tighthead group at Toulon. England prop Kyle Sinckler remains on their books, having rejected a return to the Gallagher PREM, while Georgia international Beka Gigashvili is also part of the current squad. Former France international Dany Priso provides further cover on both sides of the scrum.
Slimani is likely seen as a replacement for Georgian prop Nikoloz Narmania, who is out of contract this summer.
Slimani began his professional career at Stade Français, where he spent nine seasons, before moving to Clermont in 2018. Clermont, who signed Michael Alaalatoa from Leinster as Slimani’s replacement in 2024, were set to let Slimani go before Leinster swooped in for the storied prop.
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