Veteran tighthead prop Rabah Slimani to return to France with Toulon

Rabah Slimani has been with Leinster for two years
Rabah Slimani has been with Leinster for two yearsPhoto by DAVID ROGERS / GETTY IMAGES EUROPE / GETTY IMAGES VIA AFP

France prop Rabah Slimani will join Toulon from Irish province Leinster next season on a one-year deal, the French Top 14 club announced on Thursday.

Slimani has been at the Dublin-based outfit since 2024 and won the last of his 59 Test caps during July's tour of New Zealand.

The 36-year-old will compete with ex-England tighthead Kyle Sinckler and Georgia forward Beka Gigashvili for the starting No. 3 shirt at the three-time Champions Cup winners.

Slimani's contract at Stade Mayol hands the former Stade Francais front-rower a chance to fight for a place in Les Bleus' squad at the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

"I arrive with a lot of desire," Slimani said in a Toulon statement.

"To bring my experience to the squad and to contribute to the team's performance," he added.

Slimani was once considered as one of the world's leading tight-head props, earning a reported 600,000 euros (£523k) a season during a seven-year spell at Clermont between 2017 and 2024.