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Last man standing:
Toulon's Pierre Mignoni
Photo: Eoin Mundow/
Cleva Media |
Veteran Fijian winger Rupeni Caucaunibuca is being
courted by several Top 14 clubs following his release by
disgruntled SU Agen. The Top 14 newcomers finally ran
out of patience with the international star earlier this
week after he eventually returned to France with the new season
already five games old.
His
persistent no-shows had become something of an annual
past-time in France, but such is the talent of the man he
remains in demand with a host of admirers reportedly ready
to take him on.
Top 14 League Table
The
30-year-old had hoped to remain with Agen after helping them
to win promotion from ProD2 last season - when he was the
leading try scorer - but it seems the club's 23-23 draw with
Perpignan on Sunday convinced president Alain Tingaud and
team manager Christian Lanta that Caucaunibuca was now
surplus to requirements.
"There's no place at Agen for Rups," confirmed Lanta after
that result.
Castres, Biarritz, Stade Toulousain and ProD2 outfit Lyon OU
have all got Caucaunibuca on their radar, according to
reports in the French press, with Castres apparently winning
the race to confirm his signature.
Toulon have, inevitably, also been linked with 'Caucau',
but president Mourad Boudjellal moved swiftly to rule that
possibility out.
They are, however, on the hunt for a new scrum-half after
Fabien Cibray ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in
his left knee at the weekend, ruling him out of action for
at least six months.
Cibray's absence means Toulon have just one fit scrum-half
at present - Pierre Mignoni - as Australian Matt Henjak is
currently also on the injured list with a strained calf.
"We
will certainly use a medical wildcard," said Boudjellal
after the extent of Cibray's injury had been confirmed.
Toulon's troubled start to the new season has been further
hindered by news that Australian centre Mafi Kefu has
been banned for 30 days by the LNR's disciplinary panel
after his fourth minute red card for a dangerous high tackle
against Brive on Sunday.
Castres coach Laurent Labit has also been
summoned before the LNR disciplinary committee after he was
reported by the assistant referees during the club's weekend
clash with Racing-Métro 92.
Top 14 Fixtures
Clermont Auvergne, meanwhile, have confirmed the signing
of Argentine hooker Agustin Creevy as a
'medical joker' for injured South African Willie Wepener.
Creevy, 25, has already spent time in France after playing
for Biarritz between 2007-09, and he will join forces with
fellow Puma Mario Ledesma at the current Top 14 champions.
