Veteran prop Slimani to return to France with Toulon

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 tight-head 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 a season during a seven-year spell at Clermont between 2017 and 2024.