Toulon wary of Habana expense

Habana: Expensive target

We haven't got a bottomless pit of money.

Toulon president Mourad Boudjellal
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Toulon club president Mourad Boudjellal insists he will not be forced to pay over the odds for South Africa wing Bryan Habana.

The big-spending French outfit have already splashed the cash on high-profile names such as Jonny Wilkinson and Felipe Contepomi this summer and have been strongly linked with a move for Habana.

The Springbok flyer is approaching the end of his contract with Super14 champions Blue Bulls and met up with Boudjellal and Toulon director of rugby Philippe Saint-Andre on Thursday.

However Les Varois' president told radio station RMC: "We haven't got a bottomless pit of money.

"There is nothing concrete. Interest is one thing, reality is another. He is a very expensive player.

Desire

"We will not go beyond our limits. With our salary mass, we don't figure among the richest clubs. Others have a lot more than us.

"We are anything but favourites (to sign Habana)."

Habana, the IRB player of the year in 2007, helped South Africa to a 2-1 series win over the British and Irish Lions.

After the series-clinching 28-25 victory in the second Test just less than a fortnight ago, he spoke of his desire to play in the Top 14.

"Bayonne, Toulouse and Stade Francais have approached me but I am giving myself two weeks to reflect," he is quoted as telling L'Equipe.

"Staying in South Africa is also tempting me. Whatever happens, I will not go to England or Wales because of the weather."