One of the biggest talking points from the weekend was eccentric Toulon owner Mourad Boudjellal’s controversial comments regarding the performance of former All Black winger Julian Savea. According to Boudjellal, Savea is now formerly of Toulon as well. Savea has now spoken out in response.
Things went off the rails when Savea was beaten for speed by Agen’s Benito Masilevu in Toulon’s latest loss in their nightmare season.
Quel essai de Benito Masilevu, sur un superbe travail de Jessy Jegerlehner šµāŖļø #SUARCT #Agen #rugby #Top14 pic.twitter.com/8je34QVKJf
ā Buvette d’Armandie (@buvettearmandie) February 17, 2019
Among the many controversial statements, Boudjellal said: “I’m going to ask for a DNA test. They must have swapped him on the plane (when he joined from Hurricanes). If I were him I would apologise and go back to my home country.”
He wasn’t done there, saying: “I told him he was released and he was no longer welcome at Toulon.Ā He has got a year left on his contract. He can do what he wants.”
As expected, numerous individuals and players have rushed to Savea’s defence, including former Wallaby Drew Mitchell and brother Ardie.
Savea’s wife has also tweeted some of the horrific abuse hurled their way, including one wishing cancer on his mother.
For his part, the man himself has chosen to put his head down and get back to work.
Putting all the negativity behind me and heading into this week with a positive attitudeš¤š¾whether I am welcomed or not I am still contracted to my team and I will continue to train week in and week out with my brothers #endofstory #letsmoveon pic.twitter.com/y7QBqLOyVV
ā Julian Savea (@juliansavea7) February 17, 2019
Other players involved in French rugby have also come out in support, including former Toulon flyer Bryan Habana and New Zealand legend, Joe Rokocoko.
Well said my uce just keep on doing what you can control with that positive attitude and you will go along way.
ā Joe Rokocoko (@J_Rokocoko) February 18, 2019
ā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļø love you Uso š„ šš½šš½šš½šš½
ā Jerome Kaino (@jeromekaino) February 18, 2019
#onwardsandupwards brother šš½šš½šš½
ā Bryan Habana (@BryanHabana) February 18, 2019
At the moment, there appears to be somewhat of an impasse. Is Savea released or not? If he is no longer welcome by Boudjellal, how is he allowed to stay and train? The Top 14 is never short on drama.
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