Scotland and British & Irish Lions centre Huw Jones is set for a major career move, confirming his departure from Glasgow Warriors to join French Top 14 giants RC Toulon this summer.
Acclaimed Warrior Heads for Mediterranean
The 32-year-old, who has established himself as one of the world's premier centres since returning to Scotstoun for a second spell in 2022, will bring his 82-appearance Warriors career to a close at season's end. Glasgow confirmed the transfer in an official statement on Tuesday, wishing Jones well for the future while emphasising their focus on the remainder of the campaign together.
This move represents a long-awaited French switch for Jones, whose proposed transfer to Bayonne in 2021 collapsed before he joined Harlequins instead. His departure signals the end of the celebrated 'Huwipulotu' midfield partnership with Sione Tuipulotu at club level, though the duo will continue to link up for Gregor Townsend's national side.
Joining a Growing Scottish Contingent
Jones becomes the latest in a significant exodus of Scottish talent to the Top 14. He will find familiar company at Toulon alongside Scotland scrum-half Ben White, and joins a substantial group of international colleagues already in France.
This contingent includes:
- Blair Kinghorn at Toulouse
- Jonny Gray at Bordeaux
- Jamie Ritchie at Perpignan
- Ali Price and Stuart Hogg at Montpellier
Finn Russell also previously spent five successful years with Racing 92. Furthermore, Jones's current Glasgow teammate Adam Hastings will also head to the south of France this summer, having agreed a move to Montpellier earlier this week.
A Fitting Finale and Edinburgh's New Arrival
Jones's Glasgow legacy is secure, having been instrumental in Franco Smith's side lifting the United Rugby Championship title in 2023-24. His outstanding form was rewarded with selection for last summer's Lions tour to Australia, where he featured in all three Tests.
After undergoing Achilles surgery in September, the 58-cap Scotland international made a successful return to action in Glasgow's Champions Cup victory at Clermont this past Saturday.
In related Scottish rugby news, Edinburgh have moved to bolster their midfield resources by signing Scottish-qualified centre Kienan Higgins on a two-month contract from New Zealand's Hawke's Bay. The 25-year-old, who has Scottish heritage, will provide cover during an injury crisis before a planned move to Major League Rugby in the United States in March.
Higgins expressed his pride at the opportunity, stating his eagerness to test himself in the northern hemisphere game and add value to the Edinburgh squad during his short-term stay.
