Bernard Colas – Journalist
Passionate about sports, cinema, and television (both on screen and behind it) since childhood, Bernard has been a journalist for 10 Sport since 2018. More skilled with a keyboard in hand than a ball at his feet, he decides to mainly cover a sport that is both beloved, criticized, and hated at the same time (football), as well as a sport that isn’t really a sport (wrestling).
After Harlequins and Bristol, Kyle Sinckler has joined the Top 14 for the 2024 season by signing with RC Toulon. A bold choice that closes the doors to the English national team, which is only accessible to players in the local league.
Key element of the Rugby Club Toulonnais since his arrival in 2024, Kyle Sinckler made an important decision by moving to the Top 14. The English international right prop (68 caps) has temporarily given up on the national team by leaving Bristol and the local league, as players abroad cannot access the XV de la Rose. Kyle Sinckler understands this.
Rules will not change
“Unfortunately, the rules will not change, otherwise many English players would come to France. And there would be no one left in the Premiership. They have to manage it. In theory,” said Kyle Sinckler, interviewed by L’Équipe. “In practice, it means depriving yourself of your best players. I understand both perspectives. I knew the decision I was making and the impact it would have on my international career. But I also know that I could never have learned everything I have in the Top 14 if I had stayed in England.”
“I am still in contact with the England team staff”
Despite his situation, Kyle Sinckler keeps the 2027 World Cup in mind. “If I want to compete against South Africa or New Zealand, I have to play against the best packs every week. And that’s what the Top 14 offers: Montpellier, Clermont, Toulouse, Toulon… It’s a level above. That’s why I’m here,” explained the Englishman. “I am still in contact with the England team staff. They are watching. I made my choice, I knew what my decision to come to Toulon implied.” It remains to be seen whether Kyle Sinckler will be tempted to look elsewhere this summer in hopes of returning to England, as his contract with RCT runs until 2027.
