WITH BAKKIES BOTHA and Ali Williams both set to leave two-time defending European Cup champions Toulon at the end of the season, the French club are on the lookout for replacements in the second row.

And, according to a report in Toulon-linked local newspaper Var Matin, club president Mourad Boudjellal believes Munster’s Paul O’Connell is just the man for the job.

Var Matin claims O’Connell is in “advanced contact” with Toulon.

The 35-year old still has a year to run on his contract and while it’s not believed O’Connell is seeking a move, Toulon’s interest comes after Simon Mannix’s Pau – whose promotion into the Top 14 has been confirmed – were said to have made enquiries.

O’Connell himself laughed off that link to Pau.

While Munster have previously facilitated players like James Coughlan seeing out their career with a financial windfall in the Top 14, the release of the current Ireland captain while still under contract seems highly unlikely.

Indeed, any talk of a move may be moot as O’Connell has previously suggested he is unsure if he’ll retire after this autumn’s World Cup or play on for a 15th season.

Additional reporting from Murray Kinsella.

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