Scotland international centre Huw Jones is set to join French Top 14 giants RC Toulon this summer, bringing an end to his successful second spell with Glasgow Warriors.
A Coveted Move to the Top 14
The 32-year-old, who has cemented his reputation as one of the world's premier centres since returning to Scotstoun in 2022, will make the switch at the end of the current season. This move fulfils a long-held ambition, after a potential transfer to Bayonne collapsed in 2021, leading him to join Harlequins instead.
Glasgow Warriors confirmed the news in an official statement, saying: ‘Glasgow Warriors can confirm that Huw Jones will join Top 14 side RC Toulon this summer, after agreeing to make the move to France at the end of the season. The club wish Jones the best for the future, and look forward to continuing to work with the centre for the remainder of the season.’
End of an Era and a Growing Trend
Jones's departure signals the end of his celebrated ‘Huwipulotu’ midfield partnership with Sione Tuipulotu at club level, though the duo will continue to link up for Gregor Townsend's Scotland side. His exit is part of a significant trend, seeing him follow numerous Scotland teammates to France.
The list of Scottish internationals currently plying their trade in the Top 14 is substantial and includes:
- Ben White (Toulon)
- Blair Kinghorn (Toulouse)
- Jonny Gray (Bordeaux)
- Jamie Ritchie (Perpignan)
- Ali Price and Stuart Hogg (Montpellier)
Finn Russell also previously spent five years with Racing 92. Furthermore, Jones's current Glasgow teammate, Adam Hastings, will also head to the south of France this summer after securing a move to Montpellier.
Jones's Legacy and Edinburgh's New Arrival
Across two spells with Warriors, Jones made 82 appearances and was instrumental in helping Franco Smith's side clinch the United Rugby Championship title in the 2023-24 season. His outstanding form was rewarded with selection for the British and Irish Lions tour last summer, where he featured in all three Tests against Australia.
The player, who boasts 58 Scotland caps, recently returned to action following Achilles surgery in September, making his first appearance of the season in Saturday's Champions Cup victory at Clermont.
In related news, Edinburgh have moved to bolster their squad by signing Scottish-qualified centre Kienan Higgins on a two-month contract from New Zealand's Hawke’s Bay. The 25-year-old, who is due to move to Major League Rugby in the United States in March, will provide crucial cover for an injured midfield.
Higgins expressed his excitement, stating: ‘Having Scottish heritage, this is a proud moment for me and my family... My goal is to hit the ground running, learn as much as I can from the quality players here and add real value to the squad.’
