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PRO Rugby is only three weeks old but the opportunity to play professional rugby in the United States has not gone unnoticed by some very big players. Toulon star Mathieu Bastareaud spoke to French magazine La Provence recently and explained that while he has signed a contract with Toulon until 2021, there is a clause that allows him to take a sabbatical, one that could land him in PRO down the road.
“I do have the opportunity to go. It will happen, but for now I do not know when. Rugby opens other horizons and now we see that there is also a championship in the United States. In any case, it’s been over 20 years that I’ve played rugby in France, nearly 10 as a professional, so it is certain one day I’ll go play overseas to live a totally different experience and see what is happening elsewhere.”
A player of Bastareaud’s stature would be a massive coup for the fledgling competition, but one that still seems distant or at least highly unlikely until 2018 at the soonest. Former Wales international Chris Czekaj could be a target for next season after his wife playfully suggested that he ask agent Derwyn Jones about a potential move to San Diego. While current salaries are far from lucrative, the lure of the California sunshine appears to be very real.
Another name that has been mentioned in passing is former Scotland captain Chris Cusiter. The 33-year-old Sale Sharks scrumhalf is retiring from professional rugby this season and moving to Los Angeles to concentrate on his whisky business. If playing is indeed to be a thing of his past, perhaps a role as a coach or colour commentator might interest him.
One who could be joining much sooner is Eagles skipper Todd Clever, whose contract with Newcastle Falcons expires after the coming weekend. Clever had been tipped to join the San Diego franchise several weeks ago and himself admitted recently on social media that he was “very open” to the idea.
His Newcastle teammate Eric Fry is also out of contract and looks a likely target for the league. While Sacramento might be his preferred destination given its proximity to his hometown of Davis, he would likely be most welcome in a San Francisco pack that could use a boost. Either team looks a good fit and few should be surprised if he lands in PRO Rugby next week.
Canadian World Cup tighthead Doug Wooldridge seems an ideal candidate to help a team with front row troubles. The big 30-year-old has just returned home after a stint as a medical joker with Clermont in France and is currently without a contract. With 23 caps under his belt and recent top-flight experience, perhaps a visa could be arranged in a timely fashion.
