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Toulon sign France international fly-half Francois Trinh-Duc

Francois Trinh-Duc leaves Montpellier after ten years
Image: Francois Trinh-Duc leaves Montpellier after 10 years

French international fly-half Francois Trinh-Duc signed a three-year deal with European champions Toulon on Thursday, a move which is likely to mark the end of Frederic Michalak's career with the Top 14 giants.

Trinh-Duc, 29 and with 50 caps to his name, had already announced on Wednesday that he would be leaving Montpellier after 10 years.

24 hours later, Toulon owner Mourad Boudjellal told French TV that he had sealed a deal for Trinh-Duc.

Freddie Michalak kicks for goal - the Frenchman scored 14 points with the boot
Image: Freddie Michalak started at fly-half for France during the World Cup

Trinh-Duc was left out of France's World Cup 31-man World Cup squad this summer by Philippe Saint-Andre with Michalak preferred as the starter.

Michalak is out of contract with Toulon at the end of the season but they still have plenty of options at fly-half with Australian star Quade Cooper signed for this season.

New Zealander Tom Taylor is on loan from Bayonne while veteran Australian centre Matt Giteau can also play at 10.

Francois Steyn in action for the Sharks during a Super Rugby match against the Brumbies
Image: Francois Steyn in action for the Sharks during a Super Rugby match against the Brumbies

To help fill the gap left by Trinh-Duc's departure, Montpellier are signing veteran South African utility back Francois Steyn.

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Steyn, who has 53 caps for the Springboks, will compete with compatriot Demetri Catrakilis and Australian Ben Lucas to replace Trinh-Duc at fly-half.

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